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When to use the Present Continuous Tense?

The present continuous tense is used when speaking about activities that happen at the moment of speaking. Let’s say, right now I’m writing this post, so I need to use the present continuous tense to describe my action. So, basically, it is about the things you are doing right now!

Present Continuous Tense

 

How to use the Present Continuous Tense?

You need to look at the subject. If the subject is (He, She, it), use (is + verb-ing). If the subject is (I), use (am + verb-ing). If the subject is (They, We, You), use (are + verb-ing). As it is explained here:

 

I + am + verb-ing + object –       I am working

 

He + is + verb-ing + object –     He is eating

She + is + verb-ing + object –   She is studying

It + is + verb-ing +object –        It is sleeping

 

They + are + verb-ing + object –   They are studying

We + are + verb-ing + object –     We are working

You + are + verb-ing + object –    You are reading

 

*It is really important to add (ing) to the verb when speaking about things that happen at the moment of speaking.

 

How to form questions using the Present Continuous Tense?

You need to start the question with (am, is, are) followed by the (subject + verb-ing + object). Let me explain it to you here:

am + I + verb-ing + object + ?

 

Is + he + verb-ing + object + ?

Is + she + verb-ing + object + ?

Is + it + verb-ing + object +?

 

Are + they + verb-ing + object + ?

Are + we + verb-ing + object + ?

Are + you + verb-ing + object +?

 

Let’s have a look at the following present continuous tense examples: 

Are they studying for the exam now?

Is he cooking lunch?

Are you playing football in the park?

Is she working this evening?

Are we meeting her for lunch today?

Is it storming?

 

How to form negative sentences using the Present Continuous Tense? (How to say no)?

To say no, you simply need to add (not) after (am, is, are). Let’s have a look at the English grammar rules to learn more about the use of the present continuous tense:

I + am + (not) + verb-ing + object

 

He + is + (not) + verb-ing + object

She + is + (not) + verb-ing + object

It + is + (not) + verb-ing + object

 

They + are + (not) + verb-ing + object

We + are + (not) + verb-ing + object

You + are + (not) + verb-ing + object

 

Let’s have a look at the following present continuous tense examples: 

I am not studying right now

He is not cooking at the moment

They are not playing in the park

It is not storming

She is not watching TV right now

 

*It is always recommended to add (time expressions) to your sentences whenever possible. Time expressions can be (right now, at the moment, at the moment of speaking, now, etc).

 

Let’s have a short present continuous tense exercise & type your answers below in the comments section 🙂

They __________ (not, travel) to London this summer.

__________ (you, read) that new book?

The dog __________ (chase) its tail.

We __________ (not, go) to the party this weekend.

__________ (she, bake) a cake for the birthday party?

I __________ (paint) the kitchen right now.

He __________ (not, listen) to music.

__________ (they, wait) for the bus?

The students __________ (work) on their project.

 

I hope you find this English grammar lesson useful, let me know if you have any questions related to the use of the present continuous tense or if you have any suggestions for the upcoming topics. Yesterday, I explained about the use of present of verb to BE, and the past of verb to BE so feel free to check them 🙂 Also, if you need a private discussion or lessons, email me 🙂

Have a great day & take care!

 

 

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