Present Continuous Tense

 1. Definition of Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous Tense is used to describe:

• actions that are happening right now
• temporary actions or situations
• planned future actions (especially near future)
• actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking

📌 It focuses on what is happening now or temporarily, not habits.

2. Functions of Present Continuous Tense

We use the Present Continuous Tense to:

1. Show actions happening now
2. Describe temporary situations
3. Talk about future plans
4. Describe changing or developing situations

3. Sentence Patterns

A. Positive (Affirmative)

Subject + am/is/are + Verb–ing

• I → am
• He / She / It → is
• You / We / They → are

Examples:

• I am studying English now.
• She is watching TV.
• They are playing football.

B. Negative

Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb–ing

Examples:

• I am not sleeping now.
• He is not listening to music.
• We are not working today.

C. Interrogative (Question)

Am/Is/Are + Subject + Verb–ing ?

Examples:

• Are you studying now?
• Is she cooking?
• Am I disturbing you?

4. Verb + –ing Rules

• play → playing
• make → making (drop e)
• run → running (double consonant)

5. Signal Words (Time Expressions)

Common signal words for the Present Continuous Tense:

• now
• right now
• at the moment
• currently
• today
• this week / this month

Examples:

• She is studying right now.
• I am working this week.

6. Examples of Sentences

1. I am doing my homework now.
2. She is reading a novel.
3. They are not watching TV.
4. Are you listening to me?
5. The weather is getting colder.