English Grammar: Present Continuous Tense

Form

• The present continuous tense is formed using the present participle of the main verb and the present tense of the auxiliary verb "to be".
• The formula is: Subject + is/are + present participle

Uses

• To describe an action that is happening at the moment of speaking:
  • e.g. "I am writing an email."
• To describe an action that is happening around a specific time:
  • e.g. "I am meeting my friends at 7pm."
• To describe a temporary or changing situation:
  • e.g. "I am studying for my exams."
• To describe an annoying or disturbing habit:
  • e.g. "He is always leaving his dirty socks on the floor."
• To describe an action that is planned or arranged for the future:
  • e.g. "I am flying to Paris next week."

Spelling Rules

• Verbs ending in -ie, -oe, or -ye change the -ie to -y- before adding -ing:
  • e.g. "die" -> "dying"
• Verbs ending in a consonant + -le, -ne, or -re double the consonant before adding -ing:
  • e.g. "travel" -> "travelling"
• Verbs ending in a vowel + -le, -ne, or -re do not double the consonant before adding -ing:
  • e.g. "love" -> "loving"

Common Mistakes

• Do not use the present continuous to describe general truths or permanent situations:
  • e.g. "I am living in London" (instead, use the present simple: "I live in London")
• Do not use the present continuous to describe completed actions:
  • e.g. "I am finishing my homework" (instead, use the present perfect: "I have finished my homework")

Form of Present Continuous Tense

• Formed using the present participle of the main verb and the present tense of the auxiliary verb "to be"
• Formula: Subject + is/are + present participle

Uses of Present Continuous Tense

• Describe an action happening at the moment of speaking
• Describe an action happening around a specific time
• Describe a temporary or changing situation
• Describe an annoying or disturbing habit
• Describe an action planned or arranged for the future

Spelling Rules for Present Participle

• Verbs ending in -ie, -oe, or -ye change the -ie to -y- before adding -ing
• Verbs ending in a consonant + -le, -ne, or -re double the consonant before adding -ing
• Verbs ending in a vowel + -le, -ne, or -re do not double the consonant before adding -ing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not use the present continuous to describe general truths or permanent situations
• Do not use the present continuous to describe completed actions

Learn about the present continuous tense, its formation and uses in describing actions happening at the moment of speaking, around a specific time, and in temporary or changing situations.