Forum

How to use the present continuous tense to describe ongoing actions

The present continuous tense is a vital tool for describing actions or events happening right now or in the near future.
By mastering this tense, you’ll enhance your ability to discuss current activities and plans with clarity and confidence.

When to use the present continuous tense
The present continuous tense is formed using "am/is/are" + the base verb + "-ing." It is commonly used in the following situations:

    Actions happening now
    Use the present continuous to describe actions that are happening at this very moment.
        Examples:
            I am writing an email right now.
            They are watching a movie.

    Temporary actions
    Use it to describe actions or events that are temporary and not permanent.
        Examples:
            She is living with her parents while she looks for a job.
            He is studying hard for his exams this week.

    Future plans
    Use the present continuous to talk about arrangements or plans in the near future.
        Examples:
            We are meeting our friends for dinner tomorrow.
            She is flying to Paris next week.

    Changing or developing situations
    Use it to describe trends, changes, or developments happening over time.
        Examples:
            The weather is getting colder.
            More people are working remotely these days.

Key rules for the present continuous tense

    Use "am," "is," or "are"
        Use "am" with "I."
        Use "is" with singular subjects (he, she, it).
        Use "are" with plural subjects (we, you, they).

    Add "-ing" to the main verb

        For most verbs, add "-ing":
            play → playing
            cook → cooking

        For verbs ending in "e," drop the "e" and add "-ing":
            write → writing
            take → taking

        For one-syllable verbs with a single vowel and consonant, double the consonant:
            run → running
            sit → sitting

Negative sentences in present continuous
To make a negative sentence, add "not" after "am," "is," or "are."
    Examples:
        I am not (I’m not) watching TV right now.
        They are not (aren’t) playing outside.

Questions in present continuous
To form a question, place "am," "is," or "are" before the subject.
    Examples:
        What are you doing right now?
        Is she studying for her test?

Time expressions commonly used with present continuous
    Now: I am working on my project now.
    At the moment: She is reading a book at the moment.
    Today/this week: They are preparing for the event this week.
    Currently: He is currently learning French.

Practice exercises
Complete the sentences using the present continuous:
        Right now, I ___ (write) an email.
        They ___ (not/play) soccer at the moment.
        ___ (you/study) for your exam?

    Turn these sentences into questions and negatives:
        She is baking a cake.
        They are talking on the phone.

    Write two sentences about actions happening now and two about future plans.

A quick challenge
Write a short paragraph about what you are doing right now and your plans for the near future using the present continuous.
Include examples of ongoing actions and future arrangements.
For example:

    I am sitting at my desk and writing an email.
    My colleague is helping me with some ideas.
    Later, I am meeting a friend for coffee, and we are planning to go shopping afterward.

Use our gap-fill quizzes to train.
Select PresentContinues in the grammar dropdown.

https://fluencyonlife.com/english-fill-in-gaps-quizzes/

https://fluencyonlife.com/english-world-topics-with-questions-and-audio/

By practising the present continuous tense, you’ll improve your ability to describe current activities and discuss future plans effectively.
Start using it today!