Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous Tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening at the moment of speaking or ongoing over a period of time. It can also indicate future plans or arrangements.

Structure#

• Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing

  • Example: She is reading a book.

• Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + verb + -ing

  • Example: He is not playing football.

• Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb + -ing?

  • Example: Are you going to the store?

Uses#

1. Actions happening now:

   • I am typing on the computer.

2. Temporary actions:

   • She is staying with her friend this week.

3. Future plans/arrangements:

   • We are meeting them tomorrow.

4. Repeated actions with “always” (often to express annoyance):

   • He is always leaving his shoes in the hallway.

Signal Words#

Signal words indicate that the action is happening now or around the present time.

• Now: She is watching TV now.
• At the moment: They are working on a project at the moment.
• Currently: I am currently reading a fascinating book.
• Today: He is cooking dinner today.
• This week: We are preparing for a conference this week.
• Look!: Look! The birds are flying south.
• Listen!: Listen! The band is playing our favorite song.