Present Continuous

Form

The present continuous is formed with the verb to be (am, is, are) plus the -ing form of the main verb.

For example, “I am reading”, “she is cooking”, “they are playing”. To make a negative, add “not” after to be (he is not working). To make a question, put to be before the subject (Are you listening?).

When to Use It

1. 1

   For actions happening right now

   She is talking on the phone.

2. 2

   For temporary situations around the present

   I am staying with my aunt this week.

3. 3

   For changing or developing situations

   The weather is getting colder.

4. 4

   For future arrangements that are already planned

   We are meeting Tom tomorrow.

5. 5

   For repeated actions that annoy you with “always”

   He is always losing his keys.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting the verb to be: write She is working, not She working.
• Using stative verbs in the continuous: write I want it now, not I am wanting it now.
• Spelling the -ing form incorrectly: write running and making, not runing or makeing.