Present Continuous

---

The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive tense, is used to describe actions that are happening now or around the present moment, as well as future planned events. Here are the basic rules for forming the present continuous tense:

1. Structure: To form the present continuous tense, we use the auxiliary verb ‘to be’ (am, is, are) followed by the present participle (the verb’s base form + -ing).
2. Positive statements:

• Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing

Examples:

• I am reading a book.
• She is cooking dinner.
• They are playing soccer.

3. Negative statements:

• Subject + am/is/are + not + verb + -ing

Examples:

• I am not reading a book.
• She is not cooking dinner.
• They are not playing soccer.

4. Questions:

• Am/Is/Are + subject + verb + -ing

Examples:

• Am I reading a book?
• Is she cooking dinner?
• Are they playing soccer?

5. Contractions:

• I’m, you’re, he’s, she’s, it’s, we’re, they’re (positive)
• I’m not, you aren’t, he isn’t, she isn’t, it isn’t, we aren’t, they aren’t (negative)

Examples:

• I’m reading a book.
• She isn’t cooking dinner.
• Are they playing soccer?

6. Usage:

• Actions happening now or around the present moment Example: The kids are playing outside.
• Temporary situations Example: I’m staying with my friend until my apartment is ready.
• Annoying habits (with always) Example: He’s always forgetting his keys.
• Future planned events Example: We’re leaving for our vacation tomorrow.

Remember that some verbs, called stative verbs, are generally not used in the present continuous tense because they describe states rather than actions. Examples of stative verbs include: believe, know, like, own, and understand.

Our present continuous English resources are free for everyone. Try the worksheets below. The worksheets and activities are online-friendly and flexible to meet all of your needs.

---

---