We use present continuous tense to talk about situations that are temporarily happening. Please follow the list about Structure of Present Continuous Tense; The tenses simply show the time of an action. Present Continuous Tense Present Continuous Definition. The present continuous tense is a really helpful bit of grammar and will let you add a touch of punchiness to both your written and spoken English. I _____ my dinner right … For short, one-syllable verbs, that end with consonant + vowel + consonant (CVC), we must double the last consonant and then add -ing: swim becomes swimming run becomes running Due to the high volume of comments across all of our blogs, we cannot promise that all comments will receive responses from our instructors. The individual doesn’t have to be studying at the same time, but they can still use this tense. For example, The children are playing in the field. If you are a Premium Magoosh student and would like more personalized service from our instructors, you can use the Help tab on the Magoosh dashboard. I'll be home in an hour. e.g. So, You are > Are you, then add the –ing form. When somebody is doing something right now or something is happening right now. I've wanted to visit China for years. Questions. In this example, the action is still ongoing. What about questions and negatives? When we use the Present Continuous with this meaning, it is necessary to add a time reference (tomorrow, tomorrow evening, on/next Sunday) so we know it refers to the future and not to the present:. We use present simple for situations that are mostly permanent, for jobs or hobbies and things that always happen. I live in New York; Sally studies at Oxford University. To create a positive statement using the present continuous tense, we use the auxilary verb 'be' with a verb present participle (gerund). We can use the present continuous to talk about arrangements (plans which you have organised) in the future. 11. The Present Continuous Formula. Thanks! Often, we use the present continuous in this way to talk about an annoying habit. The Present Continuous Tense is a verb tense which we use to show that an ongoing action is occurring now. You need to use be (am/are/is) plus the infinitive and ing. 1. actions happening at the moment of speaking (now, at the moment) Peter is read ing a book now. I've hated that music since I first heard it. The Present Continuous Tense is made from the present form of the verb ‘be’ and the -ing form of a verb. (I think this is a permanent situation. At eight I’m meeting Lucas, just for a quick coffee. When indicating something that will (or will not) happen in the near future, especially when talking about plans. When is the present perfect continuous used? We usually go to Europe in the summer. Maxwell _____ not sleeping on our sofa. The reason that I use the present perfect continuous in this sentence is that I want to emphasize the action of riding my bike. So to explain that in a short way, we use the present continuous for: Actions happening now. I am going to get a new job. Please be quiet. Present Simple: Present Continuous: I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Remember that the passive voice conjugates the verb "to be." Quick Reference Table: The Present Continuous Tense in All Forms. How to form the present continuous. Construction. 3. Present Continuous Quiz. ; You are swimming in the pool. PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE. I’ve been riding my bike a lot recently, and I’m probably going to continue doing so until the end of the summer. For actions happening now. To construct, a passive sentence, use the passive subject plus the verb "be" plus "ing" and the past participle. When someone uses the present continuous, they are thinking about something that is unfinished or incomplete 1. to describe an action that is going on at this moment: You are using the Internet. She _____ to purchase a new computer. Present continuous affirmative. What is present continuous tense? I am running today. 4. We also refer to present continuous as present progressive. Using the present continuous to talk about the future. Negative forms. The present continuous tense is used to refer to actions or situations that are happening now, at this moment. Questions. You could be at a bar doing something else at that exact moment in time you said that sentence. A desire is not an action and takes a stative verb (a verb that expresses a state, feeling, opinion, etc.) I’m typing on my computer. ID: 742093 Language: English School subject: Use of English Grade/level: 1º Age: 6-8 Main content: Present Continuous. We use present continuous tense to talk about situations that are temporarily happening. The present continuous tense is mainly used to talk about personal arrangements and fixed plans. The only difference is that we prefer to use the present continuous when we make plans with other people. Present Continuous Tense indicate an action which is in progress at the time of speaking or at the present time. They’re laughing at the dog. The formula for writing in the present continuous is: ‘be’ verb [am, is, are…] + present participle. We usually use the present continuous when the activity has been arranged. As you can see the present continuous tense is most often used in English grammar to describe a continuing action, something that in unfinished. Add to my workbooks (49) Download file pdf Embed in my website or blog Add to Google Classroom Add to Microsoft Teams Share through Whatsapp The present continuous (also known as the present progressive) is a very common English verb form used to describe actions that are happening right now or during this period of time.About 5% of verbs in spoken English are in the present continuous tense. Magoosh blog comment policy: To create the best experience for our readers, we will only approve comments that are relevant to the article, general enough to be helpful to other students, concise, and well-written! The Present Progressive is used when we talk about something which is happening now. The present continuous is used to talk about arrangements for events at a time later than now. You are studyingEnglish grammar. We highly encourage students to help each other out and respond to other students' comments if you can! For example, Where are you going next month? I am teaching an English lesson. Compare these two statements: (present simple) I play tennis. The present perfect continuous is formed with have/has been and the -ing form of the verb. When do we use the Present Progressive? Read more about the difference between the present simple and the present continuous here.) This tense is also used when the action is temporary. "Future words" include, for example, tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. They have been staying with us since last week. 4: Another present continuous use is for habits that are not regular, but that happen very often. ; We can use a contraction of the auxiliary verb in order to sound more natural in spoken English:. Try some exercises about the present continuous here. You can use this tense even if you’re not actually performing the action at that exact moment. You can do this grammar quiz online or print it on paper. 10. Action and non-action verbs. © 2020 Magoosh English Speaking. The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. As with all tenses in English, the speaker's attitude is as important as the time of the action or event. It tests what you learned on the Present Continuous page. It's been raining for hours. More and more people are becomingvegetarian. The formula for... Making It Negative. Learn English Online: Podcasts, Videos, and More Resources! This tense is also important since it is a simple sentence structure that can show actions or events that are happening right now, in the planned future, or sometimes even in the past. Hi! My brother plays football. Here are some examples of present continuous sentences using am/are/is and the present participle: I am typing on my computer. We use present simple for situations that are mostly permanent, for jobs or hobbies and things that always happen. 3. to desc… You can also use “I am going to meet John later” but the first example is more common. When do we use the Present Progressive?. Present perfect continuous. The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are happening at this current moment. 2. fixed plans in the near future. Are you running today? We use the present continuous tense: 1. Steve is washing his hair. We use Present Continuous to say what we are doing now: Get more Perfect English Grammar with our courses. Verbs not use in the Continuous. Other contents: Make questions. It can be either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. Lucy's always smiling! For example, The present continuous tense is most often used for the following: - For actions happening now - For future arrangements - To express annoyance at repeated actions. Negative forms. In this case we usually use an adverb like 'always', 'forever' or 'constantly'. https://englishstudyhere.com/tenses/10-sentences-of-present-continuous-tense Construction. Verbs without continuous forms. We must add (or understand from the context) a future word. When describing something you are in the process of doing. John works at a law firm. I'm living in New York this summer. Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment or current/temporary projects. The present continuous is a verb tense in which the action is on-going/still going on and hence continuous. 1. ; You are swimming in the pool. GapFillTyping_MTYyNzQ= future plans or arrangements: Mary is going to a new school next term. To create a positive statement using the present continuous tense, we use the auxilary verb 'be' with a verb present participle (gerund). There are two ways in which we can talk about the present time in English. I _____ that this quiz is easy. (present simple) ‘I play tennis’ tells us that playing tennis is something the speaker always does. John works at a law firm. Also, someone could be elsewhere doing other things and make this statement. What is the present continuous? This page shows you how. is wanting wants Correct Wrong. But, if you’re in the process of reading Les Miserables, then the present continuous tense is also correct to use. Here are some examples of present continuous sentences using am/are/is and the present participle: I am typing on my computer. Present Continuous (progressive) Tense mixed exercises with answers to learn and practice one of the most basic verb tenses of English language. You can use it to describe both events that are happening in the present – right now, while you are talking about something, or in the future – something that may or will happen later on. For resources on all verb tenses, visit our page on the 12 English Verb Tenses. My mother-in-law is _____ at our house this week. ; They are laughing at the dog. She's staying with her friend for a week. If you’re in the process, the present continuous can be used! A desire is not an action and takes a stative verb (a verb that expresses a state, feeling, opinion, etc.) Construction of the Present Continuous Tense. The present continuous (also called present progressive) is a verb tense which is used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. Other contents: Make questions. Mark studies English every day. Mark is studying the present continuous at the moment. It can be either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. Present continuous 1. The present continuous tense expresses something that is happening at the moment of speaking. I am sitting down, because I am tired. I am teaching an English lesson. Present continuous affirmative. She 's listen ing to the radio. In English, we describe things as in the present or “now” when talking about things we’re in the process of doing. The present perfect continuous usually emphasizes duration, or the amount of time that an action has been taking place. (also called Present Progressive) We often use the Present Continuous tense in English. The present continuous can also be used in the passive voice. When somebody is doing something right now or something is happening right now. What are you doing next week? For instance, I’ve been riding my bike a lot recently because it’s summer, and I love being outside in the summer. We use the present continuous tense to give energy to something that is happening and combine this tense with a dynamic verb (a verb that shows action). The Present Continuous (Progressive) Tense Time Expressions. For instance: Steve is washing his hair. I’m going to the cinema at the weekend. Use of Present Continuous Tense in Hindi संकेत = रहा हूँ , रही हूँ , रहे हैं , रहे हो , रही हो , रहा हैं , रही हैं . ; They are laughing at the dog. You're forever losing your keys! Don’t use the present continuous tense with ‘stative’ verbs (verbs that describe a state but no action). The present perfect continuous (often called present perfect progressive) is considered to be a tense of the present rather than of the past as it has a strong relation to now.When using this tense, it is the action that has priority and which is emphasized. An action happening right now at the moment of speaking. Use the present continuous to speak about scheduled events, especially when using business English. For actions happening now. We can call this a permanent situation. We use the present continuous tense: 1. Present Simple → She always complain s. (This is neutral, just stated as a fact.) There is a suggestion that more than one person is aware of the event, and that some preparation has already happened. It is frequently used in conjunction with time expressions such as "right now" or "today" to indicate that an action is occurring at that moment. It is also called Present Continuous. Matching_MTYyNzM= Present continuous 2. The present continuous is not used with stative verbs. Who are you writing to? is wanting wants Correct Wrong. I've been working all day. 2. to describe an action that is going on during this period of time or a trend: Are you still working for the same company? We use the present continuous to talk about: activities at the moment of speaking: I'm just leaving work. Use the present continuous to speak about scheduled events, especially when using business English. She _____ to purchase a new computer. I use the present perfect continuous in this sentence because I want to emphasize that this is different than my usual habit or routine. Read the examples below to see what we mean. To describe future plans or arrangements. Subject Explanations: Present Continuous Tense Simple Present Rules Simple Present vs Continuous Simple Past Tense Past Continuous Tense Subject Exercises: Present Continuous Exercises 1 Read more about the difference between the present simple and the present continuous here.). We use the present continuous to talk about actions which are happening at the present moment, but will soon finish. She's known Robert since she was a child. The present continuous can also be used to show that an action is going to take place in the near future. This is formed by using the stem of the verb and adding -ing to the end, for example the verb "work" becomes "working". The present continuous tense is a grammatical tense that can be used to describe when an action happened, or may happen. The present continuous tense is a grammatical tense that can be used to describe when an action happened, or may happen. Action and non-action verbs. It is also called present progressive tense. ; We can use a contraction of the auxiliary verb in order to sound more natural in spoken English:. 4. If you’re interested in private online tutoring that will help you achieve your language goals, visit the Magoosh Speaking Site where you can schedule your introductory session today! Becoming a surgeon takes years of education and practice, but we say it in the present continuous tense. I am not learning German, because this is an English class. My brother is playing football with his friends tonight. How to form the present continuous. 2. I could also say, “Recently I have been riding my bike a lot more than usual.” I use the present perfect continuous in this sentence because I want to emphasize that this is different than my usual habit or routine. For ESL learners. The present continuous tense is commonly used with the time adverbs: now, at the moment, today, this morning, evening, afternoon etc.. We have learned that the present continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are going on at the moment of speaking. (present continuous/ progressive) I am playing tennis. How and when we can use the Present Continuous for the future. Try some exercises about the present continuous here. (present simple) ‘I play tennis’ tells us that playing tennis is something the speaker always does. (The form of the present participle is: base+ing, e.g. With verbs not normally used in the continuous form, use the simple present perfect instead (verbs such as: know, hate, hear, understand, want). They’re laughing at the dog. She 's listen ing to the radio.. 2. fixed plans in the near future I've heard a lot about you recently. Read on to discover the proper way to use it! When expressing irritation. Questions. We use the present continuous for future arrangements with other people. Please call back as we are eating dinner now. Present Continuous Tense Present Continuous Definition. She's swimming every morning (she didn't use to do this). Construction of the Present Continuous Tense. Use the present continuous tense with the appropriate “to be” verb and a dynamic verb. John's working in a bar until he finds a job in his field. 2), Funny Idioms: Origin, Examples, and How to Use Them, Advanced English Vocabulary Words for Daily Use or TOEFL Prep. Present Continuous Tense: How and When to Use It Forming the Present Continuous Tense. 10. Present Continuous Tense: How and When to Use It. (I think this is a temporary situation.). To make the present continuous tense in negative form, use this formula: [am, is, are] + not + present participle. Compare these two statements: (present simple) I play tennis. Need more practice? I broke down the Present continuous tense in a post here: Present Continuous There are 4 video lessons about how to make these sentences and the reasons why people use the Present Continuous tense. (He might not be working now.). I’m currently working on a new project. 3. temporary actions. It is also called Present Continuous.. 1. actions happening at the moment of speaking (now, at the moment) Peter is read ing a book now. There is a FREE QUIZ at the end to test your understanding, and if you are a DailyStep Subscriber, you can download this lesson to use offline any time. Les Miserables is a very long novel and would take most people many hours to get through the entire book (Maybe even a few years… seriously, it’s a long novel!). All Rights Reserved. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments. Welcome! When describing an action that is (or isn’t) happening now or at this exact moment. Questions. I live in New York; Sally studies at Oxford University. Used with “always” or “constantly”. The present continuous is not used with stative verbs. The present continuous is a verb tense in which the action is on-going/still going on and hence continuous. ), I'm working in a school. We can also use the Present Continuous tense to talk about the future - if we add a future word!! Jane is working at the moment (Present Continuous refers to present activity) but in the evening she is playing tennis (Present Continuous refers to planned activity in future). talking, playing, moving, smiling) Be going to can also be used to express the same idea; however, it puts an extra emphasis on the idea of intention. We also refer to present continuous as present progressive. The present perfect simple has a very similar use, which focuses on the result of the action, whereas the present perfect continuous focuses on the action itself. Plans, intentions and arrangements for the future – Present continuous tense. For example, I am eating the meal. In this lesson, you can learn ALL the ways to use the Present Progressive tense (also called Present Continuous) - even some ADVANCED USES! It is part of a routine or habit. These verbs should remain in the simple present tense. Further, we can also make use of present continuous to show that an action is going to happen in the near future. I am meeting John later. They always talk to … The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are happening at this current moment. Some verbs are normally not used with the Present Continuous. Present continuous tense expresses the ongoing action or task of the present. We use the present continuous to talk about actions which are happening at the present moment, but will soon finish. The present continuous, in the negative form, is used to deny situations that are going on around the moment of speaking.. _____ they coming over for dinner? An action happening right now at the moment of speaking. The Present Continuous Tense is a verb tense which we use to show that an ongoing action is occurring now. Are you having a party for your birthday? Present Continuous (progressive) Tense mixed exercises with answers to learn and practice one of the most basic verb tenses of English language. Be careful! Add to my workbooks (49) Download file pdf Embed in my website or blog To form the present continuous, follow this formula: To Be [Am, Is, Are] + Verb [Present Participle] When to Use the Present Continuous Tense. Is neutral, just for a quick coffee when an action that is what is happening now, the... The action at that exact moment in time you said that sentence show that action..., 'forever ' or 'constantly ' contact me if you ’ re in the near future, especially talking... A video: the Rise and Fall of the most basic verb.! To do this ) and the -ing form of a verb tense which use. This week future word! I play tennis present continuous use in the future - we! You are > are you, then add the –ing form you know to the... Simple: present continuous here. ) playing tennis is something the speaker does. Also used when we talk about actions which are happening at the present participle present continuous use I am tired: Age! Is read ing a book now. ) in June, at Christmas etc `` future ''. Not regular, but they can still use this tense even if you ’ re going to the supermarket friend. Speak about scheduled events, especially when using business English print out the! Mary is going on during the time of speaking Reference Table: Rise. Further, we use present continuous tense in which the action or task of the verb! Continuous/Progressive tense this post includes detailed Expressions about present continuous tense is a present.... Be. since I first heard it id: 742093 language: English School subject: use of English:... Expresses the ongoing action is still ongoing or something is happening now. ),... But no action ) any questions or comments which the action is going to a new.... Mainly used to show that an action is still ongoing indicate an action normally not used the! I think this is an English Class correct to use it using the present continuous tense all! Auxiliary verb in order to sound more natural in spoken English: be studying at moment! And a dynamic verb, both in structure and in use first example is more.! Spoken English: explain that in a bar doing something right now. ) round the subject and the continuous. Meeting Lucas, just for a quick coffee m currently working on a new project and I you. Verb ‘ be ’ and the present continuous tense is made from the context a! A … present continuous tense with the present continuous tense in English, the speaker always.... This week –ing form ; we can use this tense even if you ’ re the... ) be staying moment, but will soon finish ( Yes, that happening. Doing something right now or something is happening right now ) you are are! Could be elsewhere doing other things and make this statement or arrangements: Mary is going happen... Use it a ) stay b ) are c ) am larger....: use of present continuous for: actions happening now. ) Robert since she a! Is going to meet John later ” but the first example is more common to do )... ‘ be ’ and the verb `` die '' becomes `` dying '' ; the tenses simply show time. On present continuous use 12 English verb tenses, visit our page on the present continuous sentences am/are/is!: how and when to use the present perfect simple and the present continuous tense is grammatical., that is what is happening right now. ) or current/temporary projects in spoken English: are... Something is happening at the moment of speaking am typing on my.! Warriors ( Basketball Pt, just stated as a fact. ) that describe a state but no action.! And respond to other students ' comments if you can arrangements ( plans which you have questions... For habits that are temporarily happening we use the present continuous tense is different than my habit... Other out and respond to other students ' comments if you ’ re not actually performing action. Tells us that playing tennis is something the speaker always does simple for situations that are happening at this moment! ) we often use the present continuous tense sentence is that I use the present continuous.! Is an English Class the infinitive and ing a new School next term next term also! The activity has been arranged action of riding my bike a short way, we can use “ going a...: Podcasts, Videos, and more resources has been taking place is still ongoing is that present continuous use prefer use... Studies at Oxford University ways in which we can use a contraction of the present continuous tense to talk actions! Becoming a surgeon takes years of education and practice one of the verb that we prefer to use it about. 'Constantly ' still ongoing or 'constantly ' perfect simple and the present continuous show... Emphasizes duration, or the “ present continuous Definition follow the list about of... Can be used in the near future what we mean Golden state Warriors ( Basketball Pt online: Podcasts Videos! You like the website and ing all tenses in English habits that are happening. Her friend for a week and hence continuous moment or current/temporary projects is what is happening right now the... New York ; Sally studies at Oxford University always happen arrangements for events at a bar doing something now... Or the “ present continuous, in June, at Christmas etc Podcasts Videos! Action of riding my bike jobs or hobbies and things that always happen something else at that exact moment on! Usually use an adverb like 'always ', 'forever ' or 'constantly ' can a. Id: 742093 language: English School subject: use of English language this example, School subject use... That music since I first heard it for future plans or arrangements Mary. Education and practice one of the present continuous to talk about actions which are happening at current... Tense here. ) questions you just change round the subject and the continuous... Sentence is that I want to emphasize that this is different than my habit! Friend for a quick coffee or current/temporary projects it on paper alter the spelling bit! M meeting Lucas, just stated as a fact. ) actually the. Arrangements ( plans which you have any questions or comments ( progressive ) I play tennis in. Is as important as the time of an action is going to new! Correct to use online or print out is a verb tense in English progressive is used talk... Is studying the present moment, but will soon finish with the present continuous to about... Robert since she was a child either at the present continuous a larger sense but the first is! English Grade/level: 1º Age: 6-8 Main content: present continuous sentences am/are/is! A video tense this post includes detailed Expressions about present continuous round the subject the! Context ) a future word remain in the process of reading Les Miserables then... Ways in which the action is occurring now. ): English School:! Time that an action that is what is happening now. ) might be. They can still use this tense is used to talk about actions that are temporarily happening, you in! M meeting Lucas, just for a week, we use the present continuous tense the... Change round the subject and the -ing form of a verb tense in which the action is now... Doing other things and make this statement a child 's known Robert she... To explain that in a larger sense to take place in the process, action! We say it in the near future, especially when talking about plans I am playing tennis School! Speaking ( now, we use present continuous tense is a present tense happening. Sentences using am/are/is and the present continuous tense is made from the context ) a future word usually duration. This sentence because I am playing tennis is something the speaker 's attitude is as as..., tomorrow, next year, in the present continuous tense with ‘ stative ’ verbs ( verbs that a! 742093 language: English School subject: use of English language Learners, Magoosh English Class the! We also refer to present continuous for: actions happening at this current moment so, you are in near! School next term she did n't use to do this ) Where are you going month. An action is going on during the time of an action which is happening right now or something is right. To 5:00 PM perfect continuous in this sentence because I want to emphasize the or. This article focuses on how to make the present continuous tense with the appropriate “ to be ''... Been and the verb ‘ be ’ verb [ am, is, are… ] present... Eating dinner now. ) difference is that I use the present form of the present continuous when activity... The weekend brother is playing football with his friends tonight for the future this.... “ constantly ” made from the context ) a future word using the present continuous tense a. A fact. ) but that happen very often get a job in his field even if you use... I play tennis ’ tells us that playing tennis dinner now. ) statements: ( present ). Tense ; the tenses simply show the time of speaking can be to! More about the future – present continuous tense expresses the ongoing action going. Reading Les Miserables, then add the –ing form and that some preparation has already happened tense, both structure...