The Present Continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are happening at the moment of speaking.
It is formed by using the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) followed by the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb.
Present Continuous Form
|
+ |
Subject + am/is/are + verb+ing |
|
- |
Subject + am/is/are + not + verb+ ing |
|
? |
Am/Is/Are + subject +
verb+ ing? |
Examples:
|
+ |
I am playing with my toys. He is watching TV. They are dancing to the music. |
|
- |
I am not eating my
dinner. He is not doing his
homework. They are not playing
outside. |
|
? |
Am I singing too
loud? Is he playing video
games? Are they reading a book? |
Uses of Present Continuous:
I am writing a message.
Temporary actions: We use the Present Continuous to describe actions that are happening now, but are temporary and may not continue in the future.
For example:
She is working at the store until she finds a new job.
Future arrangements: We use the Present Continuous to describe arrangements that have been made for the future.
For example:
We are having a party tomorrow
night.
Signal Words
1. Now2. At the moment
3. Currently
4. Today
5. Tonight
6. This week/month/year
7. At the weekend/on weekends
8. At the moment of speaking