The Present Continuous Tense - In which of these situations do you think we use the present continuous (progressive) form?

To talk about…

• things that are happening now?
• things we are or do regularly or all the time?
• things that are permanent or generally true?
• habits and situations that are temporary?
• things that are changing over time?
• definite future plans?
• present events that are connected to the past?

Check out your knowledge and understanding below…

Here is the form (how we say/write it) for the verb DO:

I AM DOING,  YOU ARE DOING, HE/SHE/IT IS DOING,  WE/THEY ARE DOING

I’M NOT DOING,  YOU/WE/THEY ARE’NT DOING,  HE/SHE/IT ISN’T DOING

ARE YOU DOING?

We use the present continuous tense form to talk about:

• things that are happening now

Example: He’s playing football at the moment so he can’t answer his phone.

I’m not waiting any longer for them to arrive – I’m leaving now!

Key words: (right) now, at the moment, currently

• habits and situations that are temporary

Example: She’s living in London for a few months while she’s studying for her MBA.

He is working very long hours these days.

Key words: while, for a few days/weeks/months, these days

• annoying habits (with keep)

Example: They keep playing their music really loudly in the evening.

• things that are changing over time

Example: The cost of living is going up every year but we are not getting higher wages.

• definite future (with time/time phrase, date etc.)

Example: We’re visiting several clients next week and are staying close to the city centre.

Key words: tomorrow, next week/month, at 3pm, on Friday, at the weekend, on the 14^th

For things we do regularly or situations that are permanent, or generally true, we use the simple present form. For situations and events in the present that are connected to the past we use the present perfect form.

If you would like to know more about English grammar, or check your knowledge and understanding, take a look at our other Grammar check up! resources or sign up for a one-to-one online course with class-e.