Present Continuous Tense

1. What is Present Continuous Tense?

We use Present Continuous Tense about something is happening at the time of speaking, and action is not finished.

Present Continuous Tense is sometimes also referred to as Present Progressive Tense.

We also use this for future plans or some habits or actions that are temporary.

This tense is formed using either is, am or are with a verb + ing.

Note: If the subject of the sentence is "I", then the auxiliary verb "am" will be used in the sentence.

If the subject of the sentence is "He", "She", "It", or a singular noun then the the auxiliary verb "is" will be used in the sentence.

If the subject of the sentence is "They", "You", "We", or a plural noun then the the auxiliary verb "are" will be used in the sentence.

Present Continuous Tense
Fig. 1: Using Present Continuous Tense

2. Present Continuous Tense examples:

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2.1 Affirmative Sentences:

  • I am eating.

  • They are playing.

  • He is reading a story.

  • She is sleeping.

  • We are going on trip.

  • They are cleaning their room.

  • She is writing a letter.

2.2 Negative Sentences:

  • They are not singing.

  • He is not laughing.

  • She is not dancing.

  • They are not playing game.

  • He is not reading a story book.

  • They are not going to school.

  • He is not doing his homework.

2.3 Interrogative Sentences:

  • Are they eating?

  • Is he working?

  • Is she singing?

  • Are we playing?

  • Is he eating pizza?

💡 Note: Some verbs are not generally used in continuous form. These verbs are stative not action verbs.

Non-continuous Verbs List

These verbs can not be used in continuous tense.

  • like

  • hate

  • love

  • prefer

  • realize

  • know

  • imagine

  • dislike

  • believe

  • doubt

  • remember

  • understand

  • want

  • wish

  • smell

  • taste

  • hear

  • see

  • appear

  • seem

  • mean

  • agree

  • deny

  • disagree

  • promise

  • satisfy

  • surprise

  • belong

  • concern

  • involve

  • depend

  • matter

  • need

  • own

  • possess

  • be

  • lack

  • include

  • fit

  • deserve

  • cost

  • consist

See also...

Present Tense Worksheets: