Introduction
The present continuous (also called present progressive) is used to describe actions happening right now or around the current period. It is formed with am/is/are + the -ing form of the verb.
Subject+am/is/are+verb-ing
- I am reading a great book right now.
- Julia is working from home this week.
- They are building a new bridge nearby.
| Subject | Form |
|---|---|
| I | am working |
| He / She / It | is working |
| You / We / They | are working |
Uses of the Present Continuous
It isn't only for this exact moment:
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Action happening right now | Shh! The baby is sleeping. |
| Temporary situation | I am staying with my parents this month. |
| Changing or developing situation | Prices are rising rapidly. |
| Fixed future arrangement | We are meeting tomorrow at 10. |
| Repeated annoying behaviour (with always) | He is always losing his keys! |
Present Simple vs Present Continuous
The two present tenses are easily confused. Present simple describes permanent facts and habits; present continuous describes temporary or ongoing actions.
| Present Simple (permanent/habit) | Present Continuous (temporary/now) |
|---|---|
| She lives in London. | She is living with a host family this term. |
| He works at a hospital. | He is working overtime this week. |
| I read before bed. | I am reading an amazing novel. |
- I am knowing the answer.I know the answer.state verb, no continuous
- She is always work late.She is always working late.
Stative Verbs (No Continuous Form)
Certain stative verbs describe states rather than actions and are not normally used in continuous tenses. These include verbs of the mind, emotion, possession, and perception.
| Category | Verbs |
|---|---|
| Thinking/knowing | know, believe, understand, remember, think (= believe) |
| Emotion | love, hate, want, need, prefer |
| Possession | have (= possess), own, belong |
| Perception | see, hear, smell, taste, seem, appear |
- I am believing you.I believe you.
- She is having a car.She has a car.
- He is wanting a coffee.He wants a coffee.
Practice
She ___ from home this week.
Which sentence is correct?
Look at the news - prices ___ rapidly right now.
Which verb is a stative verb?
Look outside - they ___ a new bridge nearby right now.
We ___ at 6pm tomorrow for the interview.
He ___ not listening to me right now.
___ you coming to the party tonight?
write ___
run ___
lie ___
I ___ with my parents this month.
Which verb is a stative verb?
'He is always losing his keys!' What does this express?
'I understand the lesson.' Why not 'I am understanding'?
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