By Vahid Alaghehband
The present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) describes what is happening now (I'm cooking), temporary situations (She's living with her aunt this month) and arranged plans for the future (We're meeting at six). For routines, use the present simple.
This guide is part of English grammar by level. The present continuous is A1 grammar on the CEFR (A1.2 in the Vozi Grammar catalog). It is also one of the most common ways to talk about future arrangements in everyday English.
How to form the present continuous
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing | I'm reading. He's sleeping. They're working. |
| Negative | Subject + am not/isn't/aren't + verb-ing | She isn't listening. |
| Question | Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing? | Are you watching this? |
| Short answer | Yes, + subject + am/is/are. No, + subject + 'm not/isn't/aren't. | Yes, I am. No, it isn't. |
Spelling of -ing: most verbs add -ing (play → playing); drop a silent final -e (make → making); double the final consonant after a short stressed vowel (run → running, begin → beginning); -ie changes to -y (lie → lying).
When to use the present continuous
What is happening right now
The action is in progress as you speak.
- Please be quiet. The baby is sleeping.
- What are you doing? — I'm writing an email.
- It's raining again.
Temporary situations and changes
Something true for a period, or something that is changing.
- I'm taking an online course this month.
- Prices are going up.
- My English is getting better.
Arranged plans for the future
Appointments and plans with a fixed date or time.
- I'm seeing the dentist on Thursday.
- Are you coming to the party on Saturday?
- We're flying to Bogotá next week.
Time expressions and key words
Words that often go with the present continuous:
- now
- right now
- at the moment
- today
- this week
- currently
- these days
- Look!
- Listen!
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Correction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ✗ I playing video games. | ✔ I'm playing video games. | The verb be is missing. |
| ✗ He is work now. | ✔ He is working now. | The -ing form is missing. |
| ✗ I'm wanting a coffee. | ✔ I want a coffee. | Want, know, like, need and other stative verbs are not usually used in the continuous. |
| ✗ I'm going to the gym every day. | ✔ I go to the gym every day. | For routines, use the present simple. |
| ✗ Where you are going? | ✔ Where are you going? | In questions, am/is/are comes before the subject. |
Present continuous vs present simple
| Present continuous | Present simple | |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Something happening now or temporary | A routine, habit or general fact |
| Example | She's working at home today. | She works at a bank. |
| Key words | now, at the moment, this week | every day, usually, always |
| Future | Arrangements: I'm meeting Ana at six. | Timetables: The class starts at six. |
A quick test: if you could add "right now" or "these days", it probably takes the continuous.
Short conversation
A phone call between two coworkers.
A: Hi, Sofi! Are you busy?
B: A little. I'm cooking dinner and my kids are doing their homework.
A: Oh, sorry. What are you making?
B: Potato soup. It's so cold today!
A: Nice. Listen, are you coming to the meeting tomorrow?
B: Yes, I'm leaving work early to be there.
A: Great. I'm preparing the presentation right now.
B: Good luck! Talk to you tomorrow.
10 exercises with answers
Complete with the present continuous (or the present simple where needed). In the last one, fix the mistake.
- Look! The kids ___ (play) in the rain.
- I ___ (not / work) today; I'm on vacation.
- ___ she ___ (listen) to music?
- We ___ (have) dinner at the moment.
- He ___ (run) in the park right now.
- They ___ (not / watch) TV; they ___ (read).
- What ___ you ___ (do) this weekend? (arranged plan)
- My English ___ (get) better.
- I ___ (know) the answer. (careful!)
- Fix the mistake: She is study for her exam.
Show answers
- are playing
- 'm not working
- Is … listening
- are having
- is running
- aren't watching … are reading
- are … doing
- is getting
- know
- She is studying for her exam.
Next step: if you don't know your level, take the English level test (about 15 minutes, with instant results). To keep working on this topic, see Vozi Grammar's English grammar exercises by level.
Frequently asked questions
When do you use the present continuous in English?
For what is happening now (I'm cooking), for temporary situations or changes (I'm taking a course this month) and for arranged future plans (We're meeting at six).
Which verbs are not used in the present continuous?
Stative verbs, which express likes, knowledge or possession: know, like, love, want, need, believe, understand, own. You say I know, not I'm knowing.
Can you use the present continuous for the future?
Yes, for plans already arranged, usually with a date or time: I'm flying to Lima on Friday.
How do you add -ing to a verb?
Usually just add -ing; drop a final -e (making), double the consonant in verbs like run or swim (running, swimming) and change -ie to -y (lying).