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Present Continuous Tense

We use the present continuous tense to talk about the present situations. The Present Continuous is formed from the present tense of the verb be, together with the present participle (-ing form) of a verb.

formation-present-continuous-tense

Use of Present Continuous Tense

When you talk about something that;

  • is happening at the moment of speaking:
E.g. –

I am reading the newspaper.

She‘s washing the dishes.

  • is happening in a period around now:
E.g. –

I‘m working hard these days.

Is Emily coming to the library this week? No, she’s in hospital.

 

  • has been started and not finished yet:
E.g. –

I‘m writing an interesting novel at the moment.

John is practising for the final singing competition.

 

  • has been arranged or planned:
E.g. –

He‘s buying a new jeep on Monday.

Pat is going to a new job next month.

 

  • happens repeatedly:
E.g. –

Stop fighting! You two are always fighting.

You‘re always grumbling for nothing.

 

  • is changing, growing or developing around now:
E.g. –

Air pollution of the world is rising at an alarming rate.

Your son is growing quickly.

 

and

 

  • When you are telling a story from a book, play, movie etc. :
E.g. –

…….so now, the man‘s trying to catch the mouse.