What is the Present Continuous?
The present continuous (also called present progressive) expresses:
- Actions happening right now: I am reading this page.
- Temporary situations: She is staying with her aunt this week.
- Arrangements for the near future: We are meeting on Saturday.
- Changing or developing situations: The weather is getting warmer.
Form
am / is / are + verb + -ing
| Subject | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am working | am not working | Am I working? |
| He / She / It | is working | is not (isn't) working | Is he working? |
| You / We / They | are working | are not (aren't) working | Are you working? |
Spelling rules for -ing
| Verb ending | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| silent -e | drop -e, add -ing | make → making |
| short vowel + single consonant | double consonant + -ing | run → running |
| -ie | change to -y + -ing | lie → lying |
| most others | add -ing | play → playing |
Time expressions
now, right now, at the moment, currently, this week / month / year, today
- 1
Choose am / is / are
Match to the subject. - 2
Add -ing to the base verb
Apply spelling rules if needed. - 3
Negatives: am/is/are + not + verb-ing
She isn't listening. - 4
Questions: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?
Are you coming?
Write in present continuous: (Tom / cook / dinner)
Tom is cooking dinner.
Real world: social media post
"Just landed in New York! I'm staying at the Marriott hotel. The city is getting so busy — everyone is rushing somewhere!"
Real world: phone call
"Hi! Where are you? — I am walking to the station right now. The train is leaving in ten minutes! — OK, I am waiting for you outside."
Practice Problems
Write in present continuous: (I / do / my homework)
Show answer
Write in present continuous: (They / not / listen)
Show answer
Make a question: She is wearing a red coat.
Show answer
Why can't we say 'I am knowing the answer'?