The present continuous is used in English to indicate an action that is taking place at the time of speaking. It is formed by the verb be in the present tense and the base form of the verb + -ing. It is often accompanied by adverbs and expressions of time such as now, at the moment, or today, these days, this year and so on when the speaker wants to point out a fact that is not habitual.
| Subject | BE | Base Form+ -ing | Examples |
| I | am | study+ -ing | I’m studying maths now |
| You | are | speak+ -ing | You’re speaking clearly |
| He/She/It | is | play+ -ing | She’s playing cards at the moment |
| We | are | sleep+ -ing | We’re sleeping in a tent tonight |
| You | are | watch+ -ing | You’re watching your favourite tv programme |
| They | are | sing+ -ing | They’re singing with the band |
You can also use the present continuous if you want to point out that at a certain period of time (today, these days, this week, this month, etc..) you’re doing something that is not usual and you’re in the middle of doing it.
- I’m studying late this week
- We’re going out early in themorning these days
- They’re paying on time this month
Present Continuous