English grammar for proficiency: The Present Continuous Tense.
The Present Continuous Tense is generally used to talk about actions that have started to happen and have not yet been completed.
Affirmative |
I + am + Ving |
He/She/It + is + Ving | |
You/We/They + are + Ving | |
Negative |
I + am + not + Ving |
He/She/It + is + not + Ving | |
You/We/They + are + not + Ving | |
Question |
Am + I + Ving |
Is + He/She/It + Ving | |
Are + You/We/They + Ving |
Example |
Short Form |
|
+ |
I am coming. | I'm coming. |
He is coming. | He's coming. | |
We are coming. | We're coming. |
|
− |
I am not coming. | I'm not coming. |
He is not coming. |
He isn't coming. |
|
We are not coming. | We aren't coming. | |
?+ |
Am I coming? | –– |
Is he coming? | –– | |
Are they coming? | –– | |
?- |
Am I not coming? | Aren't I coming? |
Is he not coming? |
Isn't he coming? |
|
Are you not coming? |
Aren't you coming? |
☞ As shown below, negative sentences can be shortened in two ways, but the 'isn't/aren't' form is used more often. • She isn't coming. = She's not coming. • We aren't coming. = We're not coming. |
Time Expressions | ||
now, right now, just now, at the moment, at this moment, at the present, at the present time, at present, today, this week/month/year, this term, temporarily, nowadays, these days, for the time being |
・ He is sleeping now.
・ I'm working at the moment.
・ Are you still waiting for me?
・ Look! John is swimming in the sea.
・ What are you doing? - I'm watching TV.
・He's working hard these days.
・I'm learning English this year.
・We are staying at a hotel for six weeks.
・I'm taking a course in art history this semester.
・I'm not working tomorrow.
・He's coming back soon.
・We are getting married next year.
・What are you doing this weekend?
・It's always raining here.
・They are constantly arguing.
・Be careful. You are always making mistakes.
・It's getting dark.
・My English is improving.
・Technology is developing rapidly.
・Our population is increasing day by day.
・At 8 in the evening, he's usually watching TV.
・He likes to listen to music when he's working.
・She hates to be disturbed if she's sleeping.
✗ I am wanting to drink water.
✓ I want to drink water.
✗ I'm understanding you.
✓ I understand you.
✗ The food is tasting delicious.
✓ The food tastes delicious.
You can click the link below for a detailed explanation of Stative verbs.
Stative Verbs →