Present Continuous

by Nilay Ozdemir | Last updated Aug 22, 2023 | English Learning

Forming the present continuous

The present continuous of any verb is composed of two parts – the present tense of the verb to be + the present participle of the main verb.

(The form of the present participle is: base+ing, e.g. talking, playing, moving, smiling)

Affirmative
Subject	+ *to be*	+ base + ing
She	is	talking.
Negative
Subject	+ to be + not	+ base + ing
She	is not (isn’t)	talking
Interrogative
*to be*	+ subject	+ base + ing
Is	she	talking?

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Examples: TO GO, present continuous

Affirmative	Negative	Interrogative
I am going	I am not going	Am I going?
You are going	You aren’t going.	Are you going?
He, she, it is going	He, she, it isn’t going	Is he, she, it going?
We are going	We aren’t going	Are we going?
You are going	You aren’t going	Are you going?
They are going	They aren’t going	Are they going?

Note: alternative negative contractions: I’m not going, you’re not going, he’s not going etc.

Functions of the present continuous

As with all tenses in English, the speaker’s attitude is as important as the time of the action or event. When someone uses the present continuous, they are thinking about something that is unfinished or incomplete

The present continuous is used:

to describe an action that is going on at this moment: You are using the Internet. You are studying English grammar.
to describe an action that is going on during this period of time or a trend: Are you still working for the same company? More and more people are becoming vegetarian.
to describe an action or event in the future, which has already been planned or prepared: We’re going on holiday tomorrow. I’m meeting my boyfriend tonight. Are they visiting you next winter?
to describe a temporary event or situation: He usually plays the drums, but he’s playing bass guitar tonight. The weather forecast was good, but it’s raining at the moment.
with “always, forever, constantly”, to describe and emphasise a continuing series of repeated actions: Harry and Sally are always arguing! You’re constantly complaining about your mother-in-law!

Be careful: Some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form

Verbs that are not usually used in the continuous form

The verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer to states, rather than actions or processes.

Senses / perception

to feel*
to hear
to see*
to smell
to taste

Opinion

to assume
to believe
to consider
to doubt
to feel (= to think)
to find (= to consider)
to suppose
to think*

Mental states

to forget
to imagine
to know
to mean
to notice
to recognise
to remember
to understand

Emotions / desires

to envy
to fear
to dislike
to hate
to hope
to like
to love
to mind
to prefer
to regret
to want
to wish

Measurement

to contain
to cost
to hold
to measure
to weigh

Others

to look (=resemble)
to seem
to be (in most cases)
to have (when it means “to possess”)*

Exceptions

Perception verbs (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) are often used with can: I can see… These verbs may be used in the continuous form but with a different meaning

This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat’s qualities)
John’s feeling much better now (his health is improving)
She has three dogs and a cat. (possession)
She’s having supper. (She’s eating)
I can see Anthony in the garden (perception)
I’m seeing Anthony later (We are planning to meet)

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Nilay Ozdemir

I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.

Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.