Language
English
Level
B2
Unit
Verb Tenses and Aspects
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

The present continuous is a verb tense in English used to talk about actions happening right now or around the current time.

When to use it

Use the present continuous to talk about actions happening at the moment of speaking, or temporary situations happening around now.

Key forms

  • Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
  • I am eating.
  • She is studying.
  • They are playing.

Examples

I am reading a book.

She is talking on the phone.

They are watching TV.

We are having dinner.

Tips

  • Don't forget to use am/is/are before the verb.
  • Always add -ing to the main verb.
  • Some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form (like 'know', 'like', 'believe').

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Some verbs (called stative verbs) are not usually used in the present continuous.
  • Spelling changes: For verbs ending in -e, drop the -e before adding -ing (e.g., 'make' → 'making').

Keep exploring

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