Example of Present Continuous in English

The present continuous tense in English (present continuous tense), also called present progressive, is the form of verb conjugation which, as its name indicates, speaks of the present tense, of an action that occurs at this moment as in the simple present, also giving the idea that there is a continuity in the action, that is, that it is developing before, during and after the moment in which it is speaks. It is also used to indicate some actions of the past and future.

The basic structure of the present continuous consists of the form of the verb to be conjugated in the present (am, is or are) and the verb in the gerund:

Am + verb (ing)

Is + verb (ing)

Are + verb (ing)

Rules and uses of the present continuous in English

To express a current action or activity. The present continuous is used to talk about an action that is happening at the moment:

I am writing in English.

You are reading this article.

We are working hard for you.

For an action that usually takes place before or after a given moment:

Every morning we are taking orange juice before breakfast.

Whey my mom comes home, we are finishing our homework.

Every time I am arriving, you are leaving.

When we talk about things or acts that become fashionable:

From spring, girls are using green and yellow skirts.

Every four years, kids are playing soccer in streets.

Everyone is learning easily with the internet.

When we refer to something that is changing, growing or developing:

My puppies are growing so fast.

The San Andres Fail is moving all the time.

The work is going as we planned.

When we express events that happen over and over again, we usually:

When my aunt visit us, the kids are running all around the house.

My watch is stopping every hour. I think it has a broken gear.

They are practicing languages ​​Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

When we talk about things that will be happening in the future:

We are swimming in the sea in summer.

Susan is working in that office next week.

Robert is calling you on Saturday.

When we make a narration of a past event in the form we use when we summarize a book or tell a movie:

“Don Quijote” is crossing all Spain mounting his horse “Rocinante”.

Every time we go to the mountains, we are playing with snowballs all the time.

Negative form. The negative form of the present continuous in English is formed by adding the negative particle not to the form of the verb to be, or, using the negative contraction, followed by the gerund verb:

am not + verb (ing)

is not / isn’t + verb (ing)

are not / aren’t + verb (ing)

Sophia is not working today / Sophia isn’t working today.

This morning we are not training / this morning we aren’t training.

I am not feeling well this week.

Interogative form. When adverbs are used to modify the predicate, the adverb is generally written between the verb to be and the gerund verb:

Am + subject + verb (ing)

Is + subject + verb (ing)

Are + subject + verb (ing)

Are the lions walking slowly through the jungle?

Is Susan taking a bath?

Am I going to the right place?

10 examples of sentences using the present continuous in English (present continuous tense):

I am studying physics.

We are going to the Usumacinta River.

My cousins ​​are taking an English course.

Claire is bringing the Chinese food.

We are reading the novel "Angels and demons".

You’re spending your time.

Max isn't doing well.

Anyways they aren't working hard.

Are you feeling sad?

Is Helen buying a new car?