Present Continuous Tense

by Yogi P - September 30, 2023

Present Continuous Tense – Definition, Structure, Rules, Uses, and Examples

Were you recently asked what you are doing right now? For answering this question, you should use the present continuous tense. This article is here to help you learn how to use this tense accurately. It discusses the definition, structure, uses, and rules of the present continuous tense along with examples and practice questions.

The Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense is used to describe an action that is happening right now.

Definition of Present Continuous Tense

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the present continuous tense form of the verb in a sentence is defined as “the tense used to refer to events, actions, and conditions that are happening at the moment.” It uses the present form of the verb ‘to be’ (am/is/are) and the base form of the main verb plus ‘ing’, as in ‘I am traveling to France this year’ and ‘She is starting a new job.’

Structure of the Present Continuous Tense

You can understand the structure of the present continuous tense by looking at the positive, negative, interrogative, and negative interrogative forms.

Structure of Present Continuous Tense

Positive	Negative	Interrogative	Negative Interrogative
Subject + am/is/are + Verb+ing	Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb+ing	Am/Is/Are + Subject + Verb+ing?	Am/Is/Are + not + Subject + Verb+ing?
You are looking beautiful.	You are not looking beautiful.	Are you looking beautiful?	Are you not looking beautiful?
They are playing football.	She is not speaking Spanish.	Is he enjoying music?	Is she not reading books?

Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Present Continuous Tense

For the present continuous tense, remember to use ‘am’, ‘is’ or ‘are’ with the base form of the verb plus ‘ing’.

What Do You Use the Present Continuous Tense For?

Used to express actions happening now.
Used to express actions happening in this period of time or a temporary situation.
Used to express plans for the future.

Forming the Present Continuous Tense – Examples

Expressing Actions Happening Now:

I think I am going to the party this weekend.
They are booking the tickets in advance.

Expressing Actions in This Period or Temporary Situation:

The sun is rising in the east.
Water is boiling at 100 degrees Celsius.

Expressing Future Plans:

We are meeting at 6 PM tomorrow.
Sarah is traveling to London often.

Frequently Asked Questions on Present Continuous Tense

Q1. What is the Present Continuous Tense?

The Present Continuous Tense, also known as the Present Progressive Tense, denotes an ongoing action occurring at the moment of speaking. It is formed using the subject plus “am/is/are” followed by the base verb and “-ing”.

Q2. How is the Present Continuous Tense structured?

The structure is: Subject + am/is/are + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence.

Q3. Can you give an example of a sentence in the Present Continuous Tense?

Sure! An example is: “She is reading a book.”

Q4. How do I form negative sentences in the Present Continuous Tense?

For negative sentences, use: Subject + am/is/are + not + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence. For example: “I am not eating.”

Q5. What about forming questions in the Present Continuous Tense?

Form questions with: Am/is/are + subject + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence? For example: “Are you coming?”

Q6. Can the Present Continuous Tense be used for future actions?

Yes, it can depict arranged future actions. Example: “We are meeting at 6 pm tomorrow.”

Q7. Is it correct to use stative verbs in the Present Continuous Tense?

Generally, stative verbs, which express states rather than actions, are not used in the present continuous form.

Q8. How to form a negative interrogative sentence in Present Continuous Tense?

Use: Isn’t/aren’t + subject + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence? Example: “Isn’t she coming?”

Q9. Can you provide an example of a future event in Present Continuous Tense?

Certainly! “They are flying to Paris next week.”

Q10. What is the main difference between the Present Simple and Present Continuous Tense?

Present Simple Tense denotes habitual or usual actions. Present Continuous Tense, on the other hand, denotes actions happening at the moment of speaking or planned for the future.

Multiple-Choice Questions on Present Continuous Tense

Q1. Which sentence is in the Present Continuous Tense?

a) She reads a book.
b) She is reading a book.
c) She read a book.

Answer: b) She is reading a book.

Q2. What is the correct negative form of “He is running”?

a) He is not running.
b) He not is running.
c) He not running.

Answer: a) He is not running.

Q3. How do you form a question in the Present Continuous Tense?

a) Is/am/are + subject + base verb
b) Is/am/are + subject + base verb + -ing
c) Do/does + subject + base verb

Answer: b) Is/am/are + subject + base verb + -ing

Q4. What is the correct structure for a positive sentence in the Present Continuous Tense?

a) Subject + am/is/are + base verb
b) Subject + am/is/are + base verb + -ing
c) Subject + do/does + base verb

Answer: b) Subject + am/is/are + base verb + -ing

Q5. In the sentence “They are singing,” what is “singing”?

a) Base verb
b) Past participle
c) Present participle

Answer: c) Present participle

Q6. Can the Present Continuous Tense be used for future events?

a) No, never
b) Yes, always
c) Yes, for arranged future actions

Answer: c) Yes, for arranged future actions

Q7. Is “She is not dancing” a correct negative sentence in Present Continuous Tense?

a) Yes
b) No

Answer: a) Yes

Q8. Which sentence is a correct question in Present Continuous Tense?

a) She is playing?
b) Is she playing?
c) She playing is?

Answer: b) Is she playing?

Q9. Choose the correct sentence in Present Continuous Tense.

a) He are running.
b) He is run.
c) He is running.

Answer: c) He is running.

Q10. What is the correct interrogative negative form of “She is eating”?

a) Is she not eating?
b) She is not eating?
c) Is not she eating?

Answer: a) Is she not eating?

Fill in the Blanks

1. The Present Continuous Tense is used to describe actions happening ________.

2. A negative sentence in the Present Continuous Tense is formed by adding “______” after am/is/are.

3. In the sentence “They _______ playing football,” the Present Continuous Tense form of play is used to show the action is happening now.

4. To form a question in the Present Continuous Tense, “______” should be placed before the subject.

5. In the sentence, “She is not attending the party,” the word “______” makes the sentence negative in the Present Continuous Tense.

6. The sentence “They are going to the school” expresses a ________ action in the Present Continuous Tense.

7. The sentence “He _______ reading a book” is in the Present Continuous Tense when the blank is filled with the present form of is/am/are plus ‘ing’.

8. The Present Continuous Tense is used for stating actions that are ________ at this specific time.

9. “______” is placed at the beginning of the sentence to form a question in the Present Continuous Tense.

10. The sentence “The Earth _______ around the Sun” is in the Present Continuous Tense, showing a current action when the blank is filled with is revolving.

Answers: 1. now, 2. not, 3. are, 4. Am/Is/Are, 5. not, 6. current, 7. is, 8. happening, 9. Am/Is/Are, 10. is revolving