Present Continuous Tense
Learn about actions happening now or around the present time
What Is Present Continuous Tense?
The present continuous tense (also called present progressive) is used to describe actions that are happening now, at the moment of speaking, or around the present time. It is formed using "be" + the -ing form of the verb. This tense emphasizes the ongoing nature of actions.
Structure of Present Continuous
Basic Structure
Subject + be + verb-ing
I am reading
You are studying
Second person
He/She is working
Third person singular
They are playing
Third person plural
Uses of Present Continuous
Actions happening now
I am writing an email
Temporary actions
I am staying at a hotel
Future arrangements
I am meeting John tomorrow
Irritating habits
You are always complaining
Negative and Question Forms
Negative
I am not working
Yes/No Questions
Are you studying?
Wh-Questions
What are you doing?
Short Answers
Yes, I am / No, I'm not
Present Continuous Examples
I am reading a book right now. (Action happening now)
She is studying for her exam. (Temporary action)
We are meeting tomorrow at 3 PM. (Future arrangement)
You are always interrupting me! (Irritating habit)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Present Continuous
Find the present continuous verbs in each sentence:
I am reading a book right now.
Show Answer
Answer: am reading
She is studying for her exam.
Show Answer
Answer: is studying
They are playing football in the park.
Show Answer
Answer: are playing
Interactive Quiz 2: Complete with Present Continuous
Complete each sentence with present continuous:
I _____ (read) a book right now.
Show Answer
Answer: am reading
She _____ (study) for her exam.
Show Answer
Answer: is studying
They _____ (play) football in the park.
Show Answer
Answer: are playing
Interactive Quiz 3: Present Continuous Uses
Identify the use of present continuous in each sentence:
1. "I am reading a book right now"
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Answer: Action happening now
2. "I am staying at a hotel this week"
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Answer: Temporary action
3. "I am meeting John tomorrow"
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Answer: Future arrangement
Interactive Quiz 4: Present Continuous vs Simple Present
Choose the correct tense:
1. I _____ (work) in a bank. (permanent job)
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Answer: work (simple present for permanent situations)
2. I _____ (work) on a project right now. (current action)
Show Answer
Answer: am working (present continuous for current action)
3. She _____ (live) in London. (permanent residence)
Show Answer
Answer: lives (simple present for permanent situations)
Tips for Using Present Continuous
Use for Current Actions
Use present continuous for actions happening now or around the present time.
Remember the Structure
Always use "be" + verb-ing form for present continuous.
Distinguish from Simple Present
Use simple present for habits and permanent situations.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Present continuous emphasizes the ongoing nature of actions happening now!