🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is Present Continuous Tense?

Present continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are happening right now, at this moment. It can also describe temporary situations and plans for the near future.

Short answer

Present continuous is formed with am/is/are + base verb + -ing. It shows an action in progress at the moment of speaking (I am working, she is studying) or a temporary situation.

When to Use Present Continuous

1
Right Now
I am writing an email. He is sleeping.
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2
This Period
She is studying for exams (not permanent). They are building a house (ongoing).
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3
Temporary Situation
I am living with my parents (temporarily). He is working at a cafe (temporarily).
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4
Near Future Plans
We are flying to Italy next week. She is meeting him tonight.

Step-by-step worked examples

Write a sentence about what you are doing right now in present continuous.

Subject: I
Am/is/are: am
Base verb + -ing: reading
Sentence: I am reading a book right now.

Make a present continuous sentence with 'they'.

Subject: they
Am/is/are: are
Base verb + -ing: playing
Sentence: They are playing football in the park.

Create a temporary situation sentence in present continuous.

Subject: He
Am/is/are: is
Base verb + -ing: staying (at a hotel, temporarily)
Sentence: He is staying at a hotel this week.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Correct present continuous:

Correct answer: B. Present continuous: is + reading (base verb + -ing).

Q2.Present continuous describes:

Correct answer: B. Present continuous is for actions happening at this moment.

Q3.Negative of 'I am working' is:

Correct answer: A. Negation: am/is/are + not + verb + -ing.

Q4.Which is present continuous?

Correct answer: B. 'I am walking now' is present continuous (action happening right now). Others are simple, future, or past.

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Common mistakes

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I am go to the store. — Correct: I am going to the store. (Base verb + -ing: going, not go)

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She is writting an email. — Correct: She is writing an email. (Base verb: write → writing, not writting)

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They is playing football. — Correct: They are playing football. (Plural: are, not is)

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He am studying. — Correct: He is studying. (Singular: is, not am)

FAQ

What is present continuous tense?

Present continuous is used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Form: am/is/are + base verb + -ing.

Difference between 'I work' and 'I am working'?

'I work' is a habit (present simple); 'I am working' is an action right now (present continuous).

Can you use present continuous for future?

Yes, for definite plans: 'We are flying to Paris tomorrow' = planned future action.

Example sentences in present continuous?

I am reading a book. She is cooking dinner. They are watching TV. He is running in the park.