Grammar

Present Continuous

Use the present continuous for actions happening now, around the present time, or for temporary situations. It is also used for fixed future arrangements.

Post

Level A1 Tenses

Summary

Use the present continuous for actions happening now, around the present time, or for temporary situations. It is also used for fixed future arrangements.

Structure

subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Examples

I am reading a great book right now.
They are studying for their exams this week.
She is meeting her boss tomorrow.
Why are you laughing?

Common mistakes

• Don't use continuous with state verbs: NOT 'I am knowing the answer' → 'I know the answer.'
• Don't drop the 'be' verb: NOT 'I reading' → 'I am reading.'

Related

Present Simple Future with 'Going To'

More tenses

Present Simple A1

Use the present simple for facts, habits, routines, and things that are generally true. Add -s/-es to the verb with he, she, and it.

Use the past simple for completed actions at a definite time in the past. Regular verbs add -ed; many common verbs are irregular.

Future with 'Going To' A2

Use 'going to' for plans and intentions decided before now, and for predictions based on present evidence.

Future with 'Will' A2

Use 'will' for predictions, instant decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and offers.

Past Continuous B1

Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a moment in the past, often interrupted by a shorter past simple action, or for two parallel ongoing actions.

Present Perfect B1

Use the present perfect to connect a past action to the present — for life experiences, recent changes, and unfinished time periods. The exact time is not stated.

External links

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