Master the art of describing actions in progress, temporary situations, and future arrangements. A comprehensive guide for advanced learners.
The Present Continuous (also called the Present Progressive) is a verb tense used to show that an ongoing action is happening now, either at the moment of speech or now in a larger sense. It is also frequently used to discuss future plans.
"I am working"
There are 5 main situations where we use this tense.
Actions occurring at the exact moment of speaking.
"Please be quiet, I am working."
"Look! It is snowing."
Things happening "around now" but not necessarily right this second.
"I am reading a great book."
"She is staying with friends this week."
Definite plans for the near future (often with time expressions).
"We are flying to Paris tomorrow."
"He is meeting his boss at 2 PM."
Situations that are changing or developing gradually.
"The climate is getting warmer."
"My English is improving."
Used with "always" or "constantly" to show irritation.
"He is always leaving his socks on the floor!"
"They are constantly complaining."
How to correctly modify the verb.
| Rule | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| General | Add -ing to the base verb | work → working play → playing |
| Verbs ending in 'e' | Drop the e, add -ing | make → making write → writing |
| CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) | Double the final consonant, add -ing (Only if stress is on the last syllable) |
sit → sitting run → running begin → beginning |
| Verbs ending in 'ie' | Change ie to y, add -ing | lie → lying die → dying |
Some verbs describe states (feelings, thoughts, senses), not actions. These are rarely used in the continuous form.
Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.
Correct: I know the answer.
Complete the sentences with the correct form.