Present Continuous
Describe what is happening right now, temporary situations and future plans.
What is it?
The present continuous (also called present progressive) describes actions in progress: happening now, around now, or arranged for the near future.
When to use it
- Right now: Shh! The baby is sleeping.
- Temporary situations: I’m staying with my aunt this month.
- Changing situations: Your English is getting better.
- Arranged future plans: We’re meeting Joe at six tonight.
When not to use it
Stative verbs describe states, not actions, and are usually not used in the continuous form: know, like, love, hate, want, need, believe, understand, own, seem. Say I know the answer, not I’m knowing the answer.
How to build it
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | am / is / are + verb-ing | She is cooking. |
| Negative | am not / isn’t / aren’t + verb-ing | They aren’t listening. |
| Question | Am / Is / Are + subject + verb-ing? | Are you coming? |
Spelling: drop a final -e (make → making). Double a final consonant after a short vowel (run → running, sit → sitting).
Examples
- Look! It’s raining again.
- I’m not working today. It’s a holiday.
- What are you doing this weekend?
- Prices are rising every month.
Common mistakes
- I am agree with you.I agree with you.
- She cooking dinner now.She is cooking dinner now.
- I’m wanting a coffee.I want a coffee.
Memory tip
Think of a video versus a photo. The present continuous is a video: the action is moving now. The present simple is a photo of how things usually are.
Joe & Monica
Joe: Hi Monica, are you busy?
Monica: A little. I’m writing an email to my boss. Why?
Joe: We’re having a small party on Friday. Are you coming?
Monica: I’d love to!
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Question 1 of 5
Please be quiet. The baby ___.
Question 2 of 5
I ___ with my cousin until I find my own apartment.
Question 3 of 5
Look! It ___ outside.
Question 4 of 5
We ___ dinner with Monica tonight. It’s all arranged.
Question 5 of 5
I ___ this song. Can you turn it up?
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