Present Continuous helps you communicate about actions in progress now, temporary situations and arranged near-future events. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can describe actions happening now and temporary situations.
- Recognise and build the form: am/is/are + verb-ing.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Present Continuous for actions in progress now, temporary situations and arranged near-future events. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Please be quiet; the baby is sleeping.
Use 'is sleeping' for an action in progress at the moment.
I am working from home this week.
Use the present continuous for a temporary situation around now.
They are cooking dinner at the moment.
Use 'are + verb-ing' with a plural subject for an action happening now.
am/is/are + verb-ingKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'is sleeping' for an action in progress at the moment.
- Use the present continuous for a temporary situation around now.
- Use 'are + verb-ing' with a plural subject for an action happening now.
- A present-continuous question begins with the correct form of 'be'.
- Use 'isn't + verb-ing' for a negative action in progress or temporary situation.
Common mistakes
Not:Please be quiet; the baby sleeps.
Use:Please be quiet; the baby is sleeping.
Use 'is sleeping' for an action in progress at the moment.
Not:I work from home this week.
Use:I am working from home this week.
Use the present continuous for a temporary situation around now.
Not:They cook dinner at the moment.
Use:They are cooking dinner at the moment.
Use 'are + verb-ing' with a plural subject for an action happening now.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Why ____ you laughing?
are
A present-continuous question begins with the correct form of 'be'.
Nora ____ today because she is ill.
isn't studying
Use 'isn't + verb-ing' for a negative action in progress or temporary situation.
We ____ our manager at ten tomorrow.
are meeting
The present continuous can express a fixed personal arrangement.