FORM
present be-verb + present participle
am + doing
USAGE
- Present continuous is used with normal verbs to express that the action
is happening now, at present moment.
Examples:
Mary is just leaving work. She’ll be home in 30 minutes.
Please keep quiet. The students are taking their examination.
- It is also used to talk about definite future plans or arrangements.
Examples:
Katy is going to marry Walter next fall.
What are you doing this weekend?
- It can also be used to talk about temporary situations that are not necessarily happening now.
Examples:
Lindsay is working in a restaurant until she finds a better opportunity.
They are training for a marathon.
- Present continuous is used to talk about an action that is happening around a specific time.
Examples:
At three o’clock, she is having a nap.
When I get to home, my husband is waiting for me.
- Another use for present continuous is for temporary or new habits. Time expressions such as “these days” or “at the moment” are commonly used in this case.
Examples:
She’s binge shopping these days. She must be really stressed out at work.
John is running every single morning. He didn’t used to do this.
- It is also used for habits that are not regularly done but happen very frequently.
Examples:
You’re always forgetting our birthdays!
She’s normally stuttering when she is nervous.
- It can also be used to talk about something which is new and is a contrast with the past state.
Example:
Most children are playing video games instead of playing outside their homes.
These days, most people are communicating by chat instead of talking face-to-face.
- It is also used to talk about something that is changing.
Example:
The plants are growing so fast.
Spain’s economy is improving.
- Another use of present continuous is to talk about something which happens repeatedly.
Examples:
It’s always raining in Southeast Asian countries.
His parents are constantly arguing about money.
She’s very pretty. She’s always smiling.
EXEMPTION
Present Continuous cannot be used with stative verbs.
Examples:
I agree with you. (I am agreeing with you.)
This house belongs to his family now. (This house is belonging to his family now.)