What is the present continuous and how do we use it?

There are four main uses of the present continuous tense in English.

We can use the present continuous:

• For actions that have started, and are still in progress as we speak. (right now)
• For actions that have started, and are still in progress as we speak. (long term)
• To talk about the future.
• To talk about repetition and/or irritation.

Usage 1:

• For actions that have started, and are still in progress as we speak.
  (right now)

Positive: subject + be + verb + ing

Example:  I‘m listening.

Negative: subject + be + not + verb + ing

Example:  I‘m not listening.

Question: be + subject + verb + ing

Example:  Are you listening?

Usage 2:

• For actions that have started, and are still in progress as we speak.
  (long term)

Positive: subject + be + verb + ing

Example:  She‘s saving up for a new computer.

Negative: subject + be + not + verb + ing

Example:  She isn’t saving up for a new computer.

Question: be + subject + verb + ing

Example:  Is she saving up for a new computer?

Usage 3:

• To talk about the future

Positive: subject + be + verb + ing

Example:  They‘re coming to my house at 7:00 to watch the match.

Negative: subject + be + not + verb + ing

Example:  They‘re not coming to my house to watch the match.

Question: be + subject + verb + ing

Example:  Are they coming here at 7:00 to watch the match?

Usage 4:

• To talk about repetition and/or irritation

Positive: subject + be + always +  verb + ing

Example:  He‘s always checking his phone during meetings.

Negative: subject + be + not + always + verb + ing

Example:  He isn’t always checking his phone during meetings.

Question: be + subject + always + verb + ing

Example:  Is he always checking his phone during meetings?

Grammar Sheet