The present continuous is a common verb tense in English. It is for activities that are happening right now. This lesson shows you how to use the present continuous correctly. Let’s start with the structure.
Present Continuous Structure
Subject + BE + Verb + ING
Examples:
- I am singing
- She is dancing.
- We are talking.
Make sure you have the correct verb to be with the subject.
- I am playing.
- You are listening.
- She is dancing.
- He is talking.
- We are running.
- They are working.
You can use contractions with the verb to be:
- I’m
- You’re
- He’s
- She’s
- It’s
- We’re
- They’re
Negatives
For negative statements, use “not”.
- I am not listening.
- She is not talking.
Questions
To form questions, change the order of the sentence.
- Are you listening?
- Is she talking?
Present Continuous Uses
Present continuous is for actions happening right now. This could mean at this every moment:
- I am watching television.
Or, it could mean now in general.
- She is working at the gas station.
Present Continuous Tests
Are you ready to check your understanding with some present continuous tests? Try these:
Present Continuous Test
Present Continuous Test 2