Present continuous tense and its special uses

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

What is the Present Continuous Tense?

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the current time. This tense is also known as the present progressive tense.

How to Form the Present Continuous Tense

To form the present continuous tense, you use the present tense of the verb “to be” (am, is, are) followed by the -ing form of the main verb.

Structure:

• I am + verb + ing (I am eating)
• You/We/They are + verb + ing (You are eating, We are eating, They are eating)
• He/She/It is + verb + ing (He is eating, She is eating, It is eating)

Examples:

• I am reading a book.
• She is watching TV.
• They are playing soccer.

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Special Uses of the Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense is not only used for actions happening right now but also has several special uses.

1. Temporary Actions

The present continuous tense can describe actions that are happening around the current time but are temporary.

Example:

• I am living with my grandparents for the summer.
• I am staying at my friend’s house while my apartment is being painted.
• She is taking a cooking class this month.
• He is using his brother’s car until his own car gets repaired.
• They are working on a project together for this semester.

2. Future Plans

It can be used to talk about future arrangements or plans that have already been made.

Example:

• We are meeting them for lunch tomorrow.
• She is flying to Paris next week.
• We are having a meeting with the new client next Tuesday.
• She is starting her new job next month.
• He is visiting his grandparents over the weekend.
• They are going to a concert tonight.

3. Repeated Actions (with ‘always’)

The present continuous tense can describe actions that happen repeatedly, especially when expressing annoyance or criticism.

Example:

• He is always losing his keys.
• They are always arguing.
• She is always borrowing my books without asking.
• He is always forgetting to turn off the lights.
• They are always making noise when I’m trying to study.
• We are always running late because of him.

4. Changing Situations

It is also used to describe situations that are changing over time.

Example:

• The weather is getting colder.
• Her English is improving.
• The days are getting shorter as winter approaches.
• His health is improving since he started exercising.
• Technology is advancing at a rapid pace.
• The population in the city is growing steadily.

Summary

The present continuous tense is a versatile part of English grammar. It helps describe actions happening right now, temporary actions, future plans, repeated actions, and changing situations.

Practice questions to test your knowledge:

1. Right now, I __________ (study) for my exams.
2. We __________ (move) to a new house next month.
3. He __________ (always/complain) about the weather.
4. The prices of goods __________ (increase) every year.
5. The city __________ (develop) new infrastructure rapidly.