Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous Tense is used for an action going on at the time of speaking. For example; she is singing (now), the boys are playing hockey. Present Continuous Tense is also called present progressive tense.

Rules: Helping verb "is, are or am" is used before 1st form of verb with addition of "ing" in sentence.

Structure of Sentence

Positive Sentence

Note:

Examples

  1. He is writing a letter.
  2. We are walking.
  3. I am running.

Negative Sentence

Note:

Examples

  1. He is not writing a letter.
  2. We are not walking.
  3. I am not running.

Interrogative Sentence

Note:

Examples

  1. Is he writing a letter?
  2. Are we walking?
  3. Am I running?
  4. Where are we walking?
Note:

Interrogative Negative Sentence

Note:

Examples

  1. Is he not writing a letter?
  2. Are we not walking?
  3. Am I not running?

Rule: Must put Question Mark (?) in the end of interrogative and interrogative negative sentences.

More Examples of Presnet Continuous Tense

Positive Sentences

  1. I am watching television.
  2. We are reading newspaper.
  3. You are washing clothes.
  4. Usman is reaching home in time.
  5. He is teaching English.
  6. It is raining.
  7. I am going to China tomorrow.
  8. We are eating out tonight.
  9. Mr. Abdul Rehman is arriving this evening.

Negative Sentences

  1. I am not watching television.
  2. We are not reading newspaper.
  3. They are not playing football.
  4. You are not washing clothes.
  5. She is not cooking food.
  6. Sun is not rising in east.
  7. Birds are not chirping.
  8. It is not raining.

Interrogative Sentences

  1. Am I watching television?
  2. Are we reading newspaper?
  3. Are they playing football?
  4. Are you washing clothes?
  5. Is she cooking food?
  6. Is sun rising in east?
  7. Are birds chirping?
  8. Is it raining?
  9. Where are they playing?
  10. How is she teaching?

Interrogative Negative Sentences

  1. Am I not watching television?
  2. Are we not going to school?
  3. Are they not playing football?
  4. Are you not washing clothes?
  5. Is she not cooking food?
  6. Is sun not rising in east?
  7. Are birds not chirping?
  8. Is it not raining?

Some verbs, on account of their meaning, are not usually used in the continuous form?
There are verbs which are normally not used in the present continuous tense. The verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer to status, rather than actions or processes.

Senses / Perception
Emotions / Desires
Opinion
Mental States
Measurement
Others
Example
It is not correct to say: He is wanting to teach English
You may say: He wants to teach English

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:



Popular Search Examples

Share this page at:

List of all English Tenses

Below is list of all English tenses including the structure and explanation of use of each tense:

Present Tense
  1. Present Simple (Indefinite) Tense
  2. Present Continuous Tense
  3. Present Perfect Tense
  4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Past Tense
  1. Past Simple (Indefinite) Tense
  2. Past Continuous Tense
  3. Past Perfect Tense
  4. Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Future Tense
  1. Future Indefinite (Simple) Tense
  2. Future Continuous Tense
  3. Future Perfect Tense
  4. Future Perfect Continuous Tense


Relevant Topics
  1. How Many Tenses in English
  2. The Sequence of Tenses













Who we are?

Careermidway.com is an effort of lofty aspirants. We voluntarily bridge seekers with employers and other career building sources.