Present Continuous
The tense we use for actions happening right now, temporary situations, and personal plans.
It puts the spotlight on the moment.
What is Present Continuous?
Present Continuous (also called Present Progressive) describes actions that are in progress at or around the moment of speaking. Unlike Present Simple, which talks about habits and permanent states, Present Continuous focuses on what is happening right now or around this period — something temporary and ongoing.
How to Form It
+ Subject + am/is/are + V-ing → I am working. / She is working.
− Subject + am/is/are + not + V-ing → I'm not working. / She isn't working.
? Am/Is/Are + subject + V-ing? → Are you working? / Is she working?
V-ing — present participle: working, going, being
| + | − | ? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | I am working | I'm not working | Am I working? |
| you | You are working | You aren't working | Are you working? |
| he / she / it | She is working | She isn't working | Is she working? |
| we | We are working | We aren't working | Are we working? |
| they | They are working | They aren't working | Are they working? |
When to Use It
Action in Progress
Something happening at this exact moment+ She is reading a book right now.
− He isn't listening to the lecture.
? Are you watching TV?
Temporary Situation
A situation that is true now but not permanent+ I'm staying at my friend's place this week.
− She isn't working from the office this month.
? Are you living in London at the moment?
Changing Situation
A developing trend or gradual change+ The climate is getting warmer every year.
− Prices aren't falling — they're rising.
? Is the situation improving?
Fixed Arrangement
A personal plan or arrangement already set for the near future+ We're flying to Rome on Friday.
− I'm not meeting him tomorrow — he cancelled.
? Are you seeing the doctor this afternoon?
Annoying Repeated Action
A repeated behaviour that irritates the speaker — used with always+ He's always leaving his keys on the table.
− She isn't always complaining — that's not fair.
? Is he always interrupting you like that?
Passive Voice in Present Continuous
The passive is used when the action itself matters more than who performs it, or when the doer is unknown or obvious. In Present Continuous, this often describes something currently being done.
+ Subject + am/is/are + being + V3 → The road is being repaired.
− Subject + am/is/are + not + being + V3 → The road isn't being repaired.
? Am/Is/Are + subject + being + V3? → Is the road being repaired?
V3 — past participle: worked, gone, been
Passive: Action in Progress
Something currently being done by someone+ The documents are being reviewed right now.
− The system isn't being updated at the moment.
? Is the report being prepared?
Passive: Temporary Process
An ongoing process that is not permanent+ A new hospital is being built in the city centre.
− The old bridge isn't being used while repairs are underway.
? Are new employees being trained this week?