Present Continuous Tense - What is it?
The Present Continuous tense describes actions that are:
Happening right now
Happening around now
Planned for the near future
How to form it:
Subject + verb 'to be' (am/is/are) + present participle
For example:
I am eating
He is playing
We are studying
Present Participles act more like adjectives than verbs. They tell us more about a person or situation.
So "She is tall" and "She is thinking" both tell us more about that person
When to use it:
Actions happening now, and to describe a situation.
She is reading a book.
They are playing soccer.
Temporary or long-term actions
I am staying with my friend this week.
I am learning English.
Future plans where arrangements, or the decision has been made
We are meeting the teacher tomorrow.
I'm getting a computer for Christmas.
Differences between Present Simple and Present Continuous
Present simple - Subject + base verb (+s/es for he/she/it)
"She walks to school."
Use - Regular actions, habits, facts, routines (General time / always true)
This usage often comes with temporal indicators e.g. - always, usually, often, every day, never
For example:
I always eat breakfast at 7 a.m.
The sun rises in the east.
You never return my calls
Present Continuous - Subject + am/is/are + present participle
"She is walking to school."
Use - Actions happening now or already planned
This usage often comes with temporal indicators e.g. - now, at the moment, currently, today
For example:
I am eating breakfast now.
The sun is shining today.
What are you doing [now]?
Simple Present is defined as something that is usually or always true.
I go to school every day.
The sky is blue.
Present Continuous is what's happening right now but is not permanent or always true.
I am going to school.
I'm waiting for your call.