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.

So are you ready to take a journey into the present continuous? Here are some exercises for you! Click the blue triangle.