Present Continuous

Present Continuous:

We use the present continuous tense to talk about the present:

• For something that is happening at the moment of speaking

I’m studying right now.

My sister is sleeping.

They are watching a movie.

You can identify this use for these most common adverbials: Now, right now, at the moment and currently.

• For temporary situations.

I’m working here for two weeks.

She is staying with a friend for a few days.

These days we are staying here.

You can identify this use for these most common adverbials: at the moment, these days and for a few days.

• Define future plans. Definite future arrangements (with a future time word)

I’m going to USA next week.

We are meeting tonight.

He is coming this weekend.

You can identify this use for these most common adverbials: tonight, this weekend, next week, later.

• Changing situations.

Global warming is increasing.

The weather is improving.

I’m getting better at playing piano.

You can identify this use for these most common adverbials: little by little, gradually, increasing.

Rules:

• Auxiliary verb “am or is or are” is used in sentence.

• The present continuous tense is formed from the present tense of the verb be and the present participle (-ing form) of a verb.

Sentence Structure

• Affirmative.

Subject + (is + verb in Ing) + ob/c

The cat is eating the food on the table.

Subject + (are/am + verb in Ing) + ob/c

The boys are studying phonetics.

I am reading a book for tomorrow’s class.

• Negative.

Subject (he, she, it) + is not/isn’t + verb in Ing +c

She is not sitting on the chair right now.

Subject + am not – are not/aren’t + verb in Ing + c

They are not listening to country music.

I am not playing attention to the doorbell.

• Questions.

Wh-q + is/are/am + subject + verb in Ing + c ?

What is she reading?

Who are they visiting this evening?

Is/are/am + subject + verb in Ing + c ?

Is she writing her essay?

Are they coming tonight?