Present Continuous Tense: Definition, Formula, Rules, Forms, Examples and Exercises with Answers

English Tenses

Nupur Jain
Updated on Sep 30, 2025 11:19 IST

By Nupur Jain, Senior Executive - Editorial

Have you ever said things like, “I am talking to my friend right now,” or “Where are you going in the summer break”? If yes, then Voila! You are already using the Present Continuous Tense. It is a type of present tense that helps us describe what’s happening right now, what’s happening around this exact moment, or what’s planned for the near future. The present continuous tense is a part of English grammar that is also known as the Present Progressive Tense.

Imagine yourself standing in a market and you see people talking to each other, children laughing and eating snacks, parents shopping for their kids, and shopkeepers selling goods. All these actions that are happening right now in real time are what we call the Present Continuous Tense. It also describes temporary actions and actions-in-progress.

Understanding the Present Continuous Tense is essential for everyone, whether it be for normal day-to-day conversations, formal meetings, or competitive exams. This article of Shiksha aims at helping you achieve a strong hold on the definition of present continuous tense and its different forms. Learn the rules to use present continuous tense with examples. Also, find exercises of Present Continuous Tense with answers for practice.

Q:  

Can I use present continuous tense for future?

A: 

Yes, we can use present continuous tense to talk about the planned or definite future events.

For example:

  • We are meeting our Science teacher tomorrow.
  • She is leaving for New York next week.

These two sentences shows that the plan is already made and will be fulfilled in the future. By writing or speaking a sentence about fixed future event using present continuous tense makes the plan more certain compared to using 'will' or 'shall'.

Q:  

How to make negative sentences in present continuous?

A: 

To make a negative sentence in present continous, add 'not' after the helping verb is/am/are. The structure for Present Continuous Tense in Negative Form is:

Subject + is/am/are + not + verb + ing

For example:

  • am not playing football.
  • He is not watching TV today.
  • She is not cooking.

Negatives in present continuous tense are used when we want to deny that an action is happening right now.

Table of contents
  • What is Present Continuous Tense?
  • Present Continuous Tense Definition
  • Present Continuous Tense Formula
  • Present Continuous Tense Rules in English Grammar
  • Forms of Present Continuous Tenses
  • Present Simple vs Present Continuous Tense
  • Present Continuous Tenses vs Present Perfect Continuous Tense
  • English Present Continuous Tenses: Special Cases & Exceptions
  • Present Continuous Tense in Spoken and Written English
  • English Grammar Books for Present Continuous Tense
  • Present Continuous Examples
  • Present Continuous Tense Exercise with Answers
  • Related English Grammar Topics for Preparation
  • Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) on Present Continuous Tense
View More
English Tenses Logo

What is Present Continuous Tense?

The present continuous tense is a type of present tense that describes an action happening right now or during a specific time period, or a planned future arrangement. There are a total of four forms of the present continuous tense: Affirmative, Negative, Interrogative, and Negative Interrogative. We will delve into the present continuous tense forms in the latter section of this article. Let’s first understand the meaning of present continuous tense with the help of some examples.

Present Continuous Tense Examples:

  • It is raining heavily outside. (a temporary situation)
  • We are playing football in the park. (current ongoing action)
  • Are you attending the team meeting today? (Interrogative form of asking about future event)
  • She is learning to drive. (action happening during specific time)
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:  

How to make questions in present continuous tense?

A: 

To make a question in present continuous tense, place the helping verb is/am/are before the subject of the sentence, and then add the main verb in 'ing' form.

For example:

  • Are you studying English Verbs?
  • Is she dancing at the party?

Another way to make a question in present continuous tense is by using question words like What, Where, When, Who, etc., at the beginning of the sentence.

For example:

  • What are you doing?
  • Where are we going?
  • Who is coming for the party?
Q:  

What time expressions are used with present continuous tense?

A: 

To make a complete sentence, certain time expressions are used with present continuous tenses. These include: today, now, right now, at the moment, these days, currently, nowadays, this week, etc.

For example:

  • He is working on a project right now.
  • Currently, we are working from home.
  • Today, am going for an interview.
English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Tense Definition

Definition of Present Continuous Tense: Oxford Dictionary

According to Oxford Dictionary, the present continuous tense is ““A verb tense used to describe an action that is happening at the moment of speaking or a temporary situation.”

For Example,

  • She is reading a book.
  • Radhika is going to the museum.

Word Origin: Present comes from the Latin word praesens, meaning “existing now”; Continuous comes from the Latin word continuus, meaning “uninterrupted”; and Tense from the Latin word tempus, meaning “time.”

This means that Present Continuous Tense is the time form expressing an ongoing or uninterrupted action happening right now.

Pronunciation: UK: /ˌprez.ənt kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/ US: /ˌprez.ənt kənˈtɪn.ju.əs

Definition of Present Continuous Tense: Cambridge Dictionary

According to Cambridge University, the present continuous tense is “the verb form used for actions or events that are happening or developing now.”

English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Tense Formula

The basic formula or structure of the present continuous tense is as follows:

Subject + is/am/are + verb + ‘-ing’ + Object

Key Point to Remember:

While framing a sentence with present continuous tense, a form of the verb ‘Be’ (is/am/are) is used, followed by the main verb + ing. The form of ‘be’ to be used depends on the subject of the sentence.

Rule for ‘Be’ Verb in Present Continuous Tense

Take a look at the table below to know the rule for using the verb ‘to be’ in present continuous tense:

Subject

Form of ‘Be’

Example

I

am

I am running for the position of Class President.

He/She/It

is

She is learning classical dance.

Singular Noun

Is

Gloria is shopping for Lily’s birthday party.

We/You/They

are

We are getting late for the French class.

Plural Noun

are

Jake and Amy are hunting down the thief.

Quick Tip:

  • Use ‘am’ only with ‘I’
  • Use ‘is’ with one person/thing
  • Use ‘are’ with more than one person/thing
Present Continuous Tense Exercise

Present Continuous Tense Exercise

Also Read:

English Adverbs: Examples, Definition, Types Gerunds in English Grammar Subject-Verb Agreement: Grammar Rules, Examples & Exercises
English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Tense Rules in English Grammar

The present continuous tense is used to describe ongoing actions, temporary situations, planned events, and repeated behaviours. Check out the space below to understand how to use the present continuous tense in English.

1. Action Happening Now

The present continuous tense is used to explain things/actions happening at the time of speaking.

Example:

  • I am chopping vegetables.
  • We are going to the mall.

2. Actions Happening During a Specific Period

It is used when an action is not happening at the same moment, but around the current time. These are typically of longer duration than immediate actions.

Example:

  • They are working on a assignment together.
  • am making an itenary for the Girl's trip.

It is not necessary that such actions are occurring right now. But, they are ongoing during that time frame. 

3. Future Plans

The present continuous tense is also used to talk about the future events. These events are planned in advance. This means that the time and place of the action has been already decided.

Example:

  • We are meeting at Central Perk at 8 pm.
  • They are going to Udaipur next week.

4. Temporary Actions

It is used for temporary or short-term events. These situations are expected to change soon. It helps to show that something is only for a limited time.

Example:

  • I am working night shifts this month.
  • We are staying in a guest house this week.

5. Repeated Actions

Present countinuous tenses are also used with adverbs. It is used to show repetition, irritation, or annoyance. The verb form is usually used with ‘Always, Constantly, Forever’.

Example:

  • Joey is always eating my food.
  • Sheldon is constantly ringing Penny's doorbell.

The tone of the sentence often shows frustration or criticism. These repeated actions are expressed with emotional emphasis.

Present Continuous Tense Example

Let’s take an example from one of the most popular Hollywood sitcoms, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. With a seris of actions, let's understand how to use the present continuous tense in different situations.

It’s pure chaos in Monica’s apartment this morning. Monica is checking her voicemail repeatedly. Rachel is staying with Monica and Chandler temporarily after the fire in her apartment. Meanwhile, everyone is going to London soon for Ross’s wedding, and Joey keeps practicing his British accent. In the living room, Joey is building an entertainment center, which has been going on for days. Chandler is always leaving his socks on the floor.

Sentence

Use of Present Continuous Tense

Monica is checking her voicemail repeatedly.

Action happening right now

Rachel is staying with Monica and Chandler.

Temporary situation

Everyone is going to London soon for Ross’s wedding.

Future Planned Arrangement/Event

Joey is building an entertainment center.

Ongoing action during a specific time

Chandler is always leaving his socks on the floor.

Repeated annoying action

In the same way, you can also identify the type of tenses used in a conversation while watching your favourite movies, sitcoms, or documentaries.

Present Continuous Tense Rules

Rules of Present Continuous Tense

Also Read:

Simple Past Tense in English English Simple Future Tense
Past Perfect Continuous Tense: Definition, Formula Future Continuous Tense: Meaning, Rules & Exercies
What is Past Perfect Tense? Definition of Future Perfect Tense
English Tenses Logo

Forms of Present Continuous Tenses

In English Grammar, there are four forms of present continuous tense: Positive/Affirmative, Negative, Interrogative, and Negative Interrogative. Let us understand each form and structure of the present continuous tense with the help of examples.

1. Positive/Affirmative Form:

The affirmative form of present continuous tense is used to show what is happening right now.

Subject + is/am/are + base verb + ing + object

Examples of Present Continuous Tense in Positive Form:

  • She is completing her homework.
  • They are practicing for the upcoming match.

2. Negative Form:

As the word suggests, the negative form of present continuous tense is used to explain what is NOT happening right now.

Subject + is/am/are + not + base verb + ing + object

Examples of Present Continuous Tense in Negative Form:

  • She is not going to the party.
  • We are not watching TV today.

3. Interrogative Form:

The interrogative form of present continuous tense is used to ask questions about what is happening right now.

Is/Am/Are + subject + base verb + ing + object?

Examples of Present Continuous Tense in Interrogative Form:

  • Is she doing her homework?
  • Are you coming to the party?

4. Negative Interrogative Form:

The negative interrogative form of present continuous tense is used to ask negative questions.

Is/Am/Are + subject + not + base verb + ing + object?

Examples of Present Continuous Tense in Negative Interrogative Form:

  • Isn’t she going on a trip?
  • Aren’t you learning German these days?
English Tenses Logo

Present Simple vs Present Continuous Tense

Check out the table below for the difference between simple present tense and present continuous tense:

Basis

Simple Present Tense

Present Continuous Tense

Usage

Regular or Habitual Actions

Actions happening right now or around the current time

Time Reference

Always, Usually, Often, Every Day

Right Now, Now, Currently, At the Moment

Structure

Subject + base verb + s/es + Object

Subject + is/am/are + verb + ‘-ing’ + Object

Nature of Action

Permanent or Routine

Temporary or In-Progress or Future Planned Event

Example

She drinks juice every morning.

She is drinking juice right now.

Examples of Simple Present and Present Continuous Tense

Convert the following from Simple Present Tense to Present Continuous Tense:

  • Simple Present: Phil teaches his kids life lessons in silly ways. (General Habit/Routine)
    • Present Continuous: Phil is teaching his kids how to be polite at the dinner table. (Action happening right now)
  • Simple Present: Cam and Mitchell attend parenting classes on weekends. (Regular Activity)
    • Present Continuous: Cam and Mitchell are attending a parenting workshop this afternoon. (Planned event happening in the future)
English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Tenses vs Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Understand the difference between present continuous tense and present perfect continuous tense from the table below:

Basis

Present Continuous Tense

Present Perfect Continuous

Usage

Current or Temporary Actions

Actions that started earlier and are still going on

Time Reference

Now, Currently, At the Moment

For, Since, Lately, Recently, All Day

Structure

Subject + is/am/are + verb + ‘-ing’ + Object

Subject + has/have been + verb + ‘-ing’ + Object

Example

She is dancing right now.

She has been dancing for an hour.

Examples of Present Continuous Tense and Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Convert the above present continuous tense into present perfect continuous tense:

  • Present Continuous: Phil is teaching his kids how to be polite at the dinner table. (Action happening right now)
    • Present Perfect Continuous: Phil has been teaching his kids how to be polite at the dinner table since this morning. (Action started earlier and is still going on)
  • Present Continuous: Cam and Mitchell are attending a parenting workshop this afternoon. (Planned event happening in the future)
    • Present Perfect Continuous: Cam and Mitchell have been attending parenting workshops for the past three weeks. (Ongoing Action that started in the past)

Also Read: Articles Exercises with Answers, Types of Articles

English Tenses Logo

English Present Continuous Tenses: Special Cases & Exceptions

As we have discussed above, the Present Continuous Tense describes the actions happening at the moment or around the present time. Therefore, we follow a simple structure as follows to make a sentence:

Subject + is/am/are + Verb-‘ing’ + Object

However, there are some special cases and exceptions for the Present Continuous Tense in English Grammar, where different rules apply. Let’s understand those cases in detail, with the help of examples:

1. Use of Dynamic & Stative Verbs in Present Continuous Tense

Dynamic Verbs in Present Continuous Tense

Dynamic verbs are a form of verbs that are used to describe an action or process that can be seen or done physically or mentally. In general, we use dynamic verbs like play, eat, run, work, etc., in present continuous tense.

Example:

  • She is running in the field.
  • They are learning

Stative Verbs in Present Continuous Tense

Stative verbs describe a state or a condition (such as emotions, ownership, existence, perception, or thoughts). Unlike dynamic or action verbs, stative verbs do not change from one moment to another. Since the present continuous tense is used to express an action happening, stative verbs are generally not used in the present continuous tense. Instead, these verbs are used in the simple present tense.

Example:

  • I am believing in Karma. (Incorrect)
  • I believe in Karma. (Correct)
  • She is owning this house. (Incorrect)
  • She owns this house. (Correct)

Examples of Stative Verbs

Check out the table below to learn which types of verbs are considered as stative verbs:

State or Condition

Example of Stative Verb

Emotions

like, hate, love, prefer, disgust

Mental State

know, understand, think, believe

Perception

smell, see, taste, hear

Possession

have, own, belong

Existence

be, seem, exist, appear

Exception: Some Verbs can be Both Dynamic & Stative

Though verbs are categorized as dynamic and stative, some verbs can be used both dynamically and statively, depending on the context in which the verb is being used. Here are some examples:

Verb

Stative Use (state/condition)

Dynamic Use (action/process)

See

I see your point. (understand)

I am seeing a therapist. (action)

Think

I think you need more people for this task. (opinion)

I am thinking about the party. (process)

Have

I have a car. (possession)

I am having dinner with her. (action)

Be

He is sweet. (character trait)

He is being sweet to everyone today. (temporary action)

2. Spelling Rule for “ing” Form

 Under the present continuous tense, ‘ing’ form of a verb is used in a sentence. Usually, we have to just add “ing” at the end of the verb. But, this is not the case with every verb. There are certain English spelling rules for different verbs. Let’s check these rules with examples to better understand.

Rule 1: Basic Rule (Just add ‘-ing’)

Most verbs require the basic rule, and we have to just add ‘ing’ at the end of the verb.

Examples:

  • Read -> Reading
  • Break -> Breaking

Rule 2: Double the Final Consonant

If a verb is ending in a consonant + single vowel + consonant form and the last syllable is stressed, double the consonant and then add ‘-ing’.

Example:

  • Run -> Running
  • Spin -> Spinning

Exception:

In case the last syllable is not stressed, there is no need to double the consonant. Just add ‘ing’.

Example:

  • Open -> Opening
  • Visit -> Visiting

Rule 3: Drop the ‘e’ at the End

If a verb ends with a silent ‘e’, drop the ‘e’ before adding ‘-ing’.

Example:

  • Write -> Writing
  • Take -> Taking

Rule 4: Change ‘ie’ to ‘y’ at the End

If a verb ends with ‘ie’, then change it to ‘y’ before adding ‘-ing’.

Example:

  • Die -> Dying
  • Lie -> Lying

Also Read:

Preparation Tips to Maser Prefixes Preparation Tips to Master Prepositions 
Read more
English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Tense in Spoken and Written English

Present Continuous Tense is used in both spoken and written English. However, there are slight differences in their tone, style, and purpose. Let’s understand the use of present continuous tense in spoken and written English.

Present Continuous Tense in Spoken English

The present continuous tense is frequently used in daily conversations to explain the actions happening at the moment or around that specific point in time. This tense is usually used to talk about temporary situations, current situations, planned future events, and changes in a condition or a situation.

As the spoken English is more casual, contracted forms of words like I’m instead of I am, She’s instead of She is, and so on are used in a sentence.

 Examples of Present Continuous Tense in Spoken English:

  • I’m preparing for my exam right now.
  • We’re going to Meghalaya this summer break.

Present Continuous Tense in Written English

The present continuous tense is used in dialogues, emails, narrative writing, or reports to describe an action happening. This tense is more commonly used in informal writings like stories, journal entries, or story writing than in formal academic writing. Unlike spoken English, the full form of words like I am, She is, We are, are often used.

Example Present Continuous Tense in Written English:

  • I am writing this letter to inform you about the party next week.
  • She is gaining good knowledge with her Internship.

Also Read:

Letter Writing: Types and Format What is Formal Letter Writing?
Read more
English Tenses Logo

English Grammar Books for Present Continuous Tense

Below are the recommended Best Books to understand the concept of Present Continuous Tense:

Book Name

Author

High School English Grammar and Composition

Wren & Martin

English Grammar in Use

Raymond Murphy

Oxford Practice Grammar

John Eastwood

Collins Easy Learning English Grammar & Punctuation

HarperCollins Publishers

Practical English Usage

Michael Swan

Basic Grammar in Use

Raymond Murphy, William Smalzer

These books will help study the Present Continuous Tense on the beginner's level as well as the advanced level.

Check out books for other English Grammar topics:

Best Books for Adjectives Books to Understand Precis Writing English Subject and Predicate Books
Composition Books Books for Nouns Parts of Speech Books
English Figures of Speech Books Active and Passive Voice English Grammar Books Best Books for Phrases
Read more
English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Examples

Here are some examples of the Present Continuous Tense:

  1. You are learning English very fast.
  2. I am writing a letter to my friend.
  3. She is working in a 9 to 5 job.
  4. The students are listening to the lecture.
  5. We are getting late for the exam.
  6. The children are dancing to their favorite song.
  7. I am studying for my entrance exam.
  8. He is baking a cake right now.
  9. They are playing cricket in the stadium.
  10. The dog is barking at a stranger.

In the same way, you can also create your own present continuous sentences by using accurate rule.

Also Read:

Read more
English Tenses Logo

Present Continuous Tense Exercise with Answers

Practice the Present Continuous Tense with the help of the following exercise:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the Present Continuous Tense

  1. She __________ (cook) dinner in the kitchen.
  2. I __________  (write) an email to my teacher.
  3. They __________  (dance) at the party.
  4. We __________  (learn) German language.
  5. The dog __________ (bark) at strangers.

Exercise 2: Identify and Correct the Mistakes

  1. She am reading a book.
  2. I are talking to my friend.
  3. They is watching television.
  4. He playing football in the field.
  5. We am going for shopping.

Exercise 3: Change the Sentences into Present Continuous Tense

  1. He writes a letter.
  2. I wash the dishes.
  3. We play chess in the evening.
  4. Radhika dances on stage.
  5. The teacher explains the lesson.

Exercise 1 Answers:

  1. She is cooking dinner in the kitchen.
  2. am writing an email to my teacher.
  3. They are dancing at the party.
  4. We are learning German language.
  5. The dog is barking at strangers.

Exercise 2 Answers:

Incorrect Sentence

Correct Sentence

1. She am reading a book.

She is reading a book.

2. I are talking to my friend.

am talking to my friend.

3. They is watching television.

They are watching television.

4. He playing football in the field.

He is playing football in the field.

5. We am going for shopping.

We are going for shopping.

Exercise 3 Answers:

  1. He is writing a letter.
  2. am washing the dishes.
  3. We are playing chess in the evening.
  4. Radhika is dancing on stage.
  5. The teacher is explaining the lesson.

Download:

English Present Continuous Tense Worksheet PDF
Read more
English Tenses Logo

Related English Grammar Topics for Preparation

Check out the table for English Grammar Study Material PDFs for some of the basic grammar topics required for fluent English speaking and writing.

Grammar Topic English Grammar Study Material PDF
English Verbs Verbs: Meaning, Examples, Forms, Types
English Subject Verb Agreement Subject Verb Agreement: Rules & Examples
English Tenses Tenses: A Comprehensive Guide
English Nouns Nouns in English Grammar: A Comprehensive Guide
English Parts of Speech Parts of Speech in English Grammar
English Conjunctions Conjunctions: A Comprehensive Summary
English Subject Subject: Meaning, Preparation Tips, Rules
English Predicate English Predicate: Meaning, Types & Preparation Tips
English Prepositions Prepositions in English: Meaning, Types & Examples
Read more
English Tenses Logo

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) on Present Continuous Tense

Check out the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Present Continuous Tense:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:  

What is the rule for Present and Present Continuous Tense?

A: 

Simple Present Tense Rule:

Subject + base verb (s/es for he/she/it)

Example: She goes to college.

Shows habit, facts, and routines.

Present Continuous Tense Rule:

Subject + is/am/are + verb-ing

Example: She is going to college.

Shows actions happening now or temporary actions.

Q:  

What is Present Continuous Tense and examples?

A: 

The present continuous tense is a verb tense describing actions happening in the present or to be continued in the future. The formula for Present Continuous Tense is Subject + is/am/are + present participle (verb + ing) + Object.

Examples:

  • I am driving the car.
  • They are going on a trip to Meghalaya.
Q:  

What are the 3 uses of Present Continuous Tense?

A: 

The Present Continuous Tense is used in three cases:

Case 1: Actions happening right now

Examples:

  • She is talking on the phone.
  • We are ordering Pizza from Dominos for lunch.

Case 2: Temporary or ongoing actions

Examples:

  • I am staying at my friend's house for a few days.
  • She is going to Decathlon to buy a winter jacket.

Case 3: Future planned events (with a specific time frame)

Example:

  • They are having a cricket match this Sunday.
  • He is flying to London next week.
Q:  

What is the rule for Present Continuous Tense?

A: 

The rule of Present Continuous Tense in English Grammar is:

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing + Object

Examples:

  • am playing.
  • He is writing a letter.
  • They are watching TV.
Q:  

How can I use tenses correctly?

A: 

Using the tenses correctly is important to make proper grammatically correct sentences. To know how to use tenses, understand the time they indicate when an action has happened or is about to happen. 

In English, there are three main types of tenses, i.e. Present, Past and Future. Each of these tenses have different forms to indicate how is the action occuring or its relation with time. 

Q:   What is the ‘ing’ form of a verb?
A: 

The '-ing' form of a verb is called the present participle. It can act as:

  • A gerund (noun)
  • A participle (adjective)
  • Part of a continuous tense

Examples:

Cooking is relaxing. (Gerund)

The boiling water is hot. (Present Participle)

She is cooking dinner now. (Continuous Verb)

Q:  

How many tenses are there in the English language?

A: 

There are three main tenses, Present, Past and Future. These tenses are further divided into four sub categories each. Hence, making the total to 12 tenses. These are:

Present Tense:

  • Simple Present
  • Present Continuous
  • Present Perfect
  • Present Perfect Continuous

Past Tense:

  • Simple Past
  • Past Continuous
  • Past Perfect
  • Past Perfect Continuous

Future Tense:

  • Simple Future
  • Future Continuous
  • Future Perfect
  • Future Perfect Continuous
Q:  

How to identify Present Continuous Tense?

A: 

To identify the Present Continuous Tense in a sentence, follow these three steps:

  1. Check if there is 'is/am/are' in the sentence.
  2. Check for the –ing form of verb.
  3. Lastly, confirm that the sentence is describing an action happening right now, a temporary ongoing action, or a future action.
qna

English Tenses Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...