Present Continuous: Form, Uses and Examples

Take the right form of the verb to be for the subject (am, is or are) and add the main verb with -ing. In speech we almost always use short forms: I'm, you're, she's, we're, they're.

For a negative, put not after am, is or are: She isn't sleeping. For a question, put am, is or are before the subject: Is she sleeping? Question words go at the start: What are you doing? Where is he going?

The -ing verb never changes for the subject. Only the be part changes: I am going, he is going, they are going.

The main use of the present continuous is for actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking. The action started a little before now and has not finished yet.

We often use it with words like now, right now, at the moment, today and with commands like Look! and Listen! that point to something happening now.

We also use the present continuous for things that are true around now, even if they are not happening at this exact second. The situation is temporary: it will end.

For example, I'm reading a novel about Paris can be true even when the book is on the table. Words like this week, this month, these days and currently often go with this use. Compare: I live in Ankara (permanent) and I'm living with my aunt until I find a flat (temporary).

Use the present continuous for situations that are slowly changing: things getting bigger, better, worse or more popular. Verbs like get, become, change, grow, rise and improve are common here.

With always (and sometimes constantly or forever), the present continuous can show that a habit annoys the speaker: He's always losing his keys! This is a strong, emotional way to talk about a habit. For a normal habit, use the present simple: He always loses his keys.

We use the present continuous for personal plans in the future that are already arranged: you have decided, and often you have a time, a ticket or another person is involved. Always say when, or make the time clear, so the listener knows you mean the future.

This use is very common in speech. Read more in present continuous for future and compare it with going to in will vs going to.

Use the present simple for habits, facts and permanent situations (I work in a bank). Use the present continuous for now and for temporary situations (I'm working from home today).

State verbs describe feelings, thoughts, senses and possession, not actions. We normally use them in the present simple, even about right now: know, understand, believe, like, love, hate, want, need, prefer, mean, own, belong, seem. Say I want a coffee, not I'm wanting a coffee. See stative verbs for the full list.

Some verbs can be both, with a different meaning. I think it's a good idea (opinion) but I'm thinking about my holiday (a mental action). She has two cars (owns) but she's having lunch (eating). For more practice, read present simple vs present continuous.

The present continuous is everywhere in daily conversation, especially in phone calls, messages and plans. People ask What are you doing? to start a chat, and use it to explain why they are busy or late. In speech, the be part is short and quiet, so listen for I'm, you're and she's.