Present Continuous

Form

Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing

The man is walking the dog.

We are eating dinner at 8 o’clock.

Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb-ing

The man is not walking the dog.

We are not eating dinner at 8 o’clock.

Am/Is/Are + Subject + Verb-ing?

Is the man walking the dog?

Are we eating dinner at 8 o’clock?

Object + am/is/are + being + V3

The dog is being walked by the man.

Dinner is being eaten by us at 8 o’clock.

Object + am/is/are + not + being + V3

The dog is not being walked by the man.

Dinner is not being eaten by us at 8 o’clock.

Am/Is/Are + Object + being + V3?

Is the dog being walked by the man.

Is dinner being eaten by us at 8 o’clock.

Meaning

Actions Happening Right Now (Present Continuous)

Used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the present moment.

Past Present Future

She is studying for her exams right now.

They are watching a movie at the moment.

Present Continuous for Temporary Situations

Used to express something that is happening around now, but not permanently.

Past Present Future

He is staying at his friend’s house while his apartment is being renovated.

They are working on a project this month only.

Confirmed Future Plans

The Present Continuous is used to talk about confirmed future plans or events that are already arranged or scheduled.

Past Present Future x

We are meeting friends for dinner tomorrow.

She is flying to Paris next week.

Repeated Actions (Irritation & Negative Emotion)

The Present Continuous is used with words like always, constantly, and forever to describe repeated actions that are annoying or emotionally charged.

Past Present Future x x x x x

He is always interrupting people.

They are constantly arguing about politics.

Trends and Developments

The Present Continuous is used to describe trends and gradual changes that are happening around now and continuing into the future.

Past Present Future

More people are switching to electric cars.

Cities are becoming more pedestrian-friendly.

Form

Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing

Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb-ing

Am/Is/Are + Subject + Verb-ing?

Object + am/is/are + being + V3

Object + am/is/are + not + being + V3

Am/Is/Are + Object + being + V3?

Meaning

Actions Happening Right Now (Present Continuous)

Present Continuous for Temporary Situations

Confirmed Future Plans

Repeated Actions (Irritation & Negative Emotion)

Trends and Developments

Practice exercises