Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous describes actions happening right now, temporary situations, and planned future arrangements. It is formed with am/is/are + the -ing form of the verb.
When to use the present continuous
- Actions happening right now: She is talking on the phone. It is raining outside.
- Actions happening around now (not necessarily at this exact moment): I am reading a great book this week. He is learning Spanish.
- Temporary situations: She is staying with her parents this month. They are living in a hotel.
- Planned future arrangements: We are meeting them tomorrow. I am flying to Rome on Friday.
- Annoying habits (with always): He is always leaving his keys somewhere! She is always interrupting me.
How to form the present continuous
I am working. She is working. They are working.
I'm not working. She isn't working.
Are you working? Is she working?
-ing spelling rules
| Rule | Base form | -ing form |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs: add -ing | work, play, eat, read | working, playing, eating, reading |
| Ends in silent -e: drop e, add -ing | make, write, come, live | making, writing, coming, living |
| Short verb ending in CVC: double consonant | run, sit, swim, get | running, sitting, swimming, getting |
| Ends in -ie: change to y + -ing | lie, die, tie | lying, dying, tying |
Full conjugation: the verb "work"
| Subject | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am working | am not working | Am I working? |
| You | are working | are not working | Are you working? |
| He / She / It | is working | is not working | Is she working? |
| We / They | are working | are not working | Are they working? |
Present continuous vs. present simple
| Present simple | Present continuous |
|---|---|
| She works in a hospital. (permanent job) | She is working from home today. (temporary) |
| He plays football on Sundays. (regular habit) | He is playing football right now. (happening now) |
| I live in Manchester. (permanent) | I am living with my parents for now. (temporary) |
Signal words
now, right now, at the moment, currently, at present
today, this week, this month, this year
Look! Listen! (for actions visible right now)
State verbs cannot be used in continuous form: Never say I am knowing, She is wanting, or He is believing. State verbs (know, want, believe, love, hate, understand, need, seem) always use the present simple.
Future use tip: The present continuous is very natural for personal future arrangements: I'm meeting Sarah for lunch tomorrow. We're flying to Madrid next week. This is more specific and personal than using will.