Present Continuous
The Present Continuous describes actions happening right now or around the current moment, and it can also express temporary situations, plans, or repeated annoyances.
Usage
Use the Present Continuous for actions occurring as you speak, for temporary activities, for near future plans, and for irritating repeated behaviors when you add always.
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Form
The Present Continuous is formed with to be + -ing form: you need the correct auxiliary and the verb ending in -ing.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ☁️ I am writing the script. | I am writing the script. |
| 🎨 She is designing the poster. | She is designing the poster. |
| 🎬 They are filming the scene. | They are filming the scene. |
| 🎧 He is mixing the sound. | He is mixing the sound. |
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Negative
To make negatives, insert not after the auxiliary to be, so the action is framed as not happening.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🛑 I am not rehearsing right now. | I am not rehearsing right now. |
| 🚫 She is not editing the video. | She is not editing the video. |
| ❌ They are not setting up lights. | They are not setting up lights. |
| 🙅 He is not writing notes. | He is not writing notes. |
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Questions
Form questions by placing the auxiliary to be before the subject, which works for yes/no and short answer formats.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🎥 Am I calling the actors? | Am I calling the actors? |
| 📝 Is she preparing the shot list? | Is she preparing the shot list? |
| 🎟️ Are they organizing tickets? | Are they organizing tickets? |
| 🎤 Is he testing the microphone? | Is he testing the microphone? |
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Short Answers
Short answers repeat the auxiliary to be and include not when needed, making responses quick and natural.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 👍 Yes, I am. | Yes, I am. |
| 👎 No, I’m not. | No, I’m not. |
| 👍 Yes, she is. | Yes, she is. |
| 👎 No, she isn’t. | No, she isn’t. |
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Signal Words
Signal words like now, at the moment, and today often appear with the Present Continuous to highlight ongoing actions.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🕒 We are rehearsing now. | We are rehearsing now. |
| 📞 She is calling at the moment. | She is calling at the moment. |
| 🎬 They are setting up today. | They are setting up today. |
| 🔧 He is fixing the projector this evening. | He is fixing the projector this evening. |
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Summary
The Present Continuous highlights actions happening right now, temporary activities, near future plans, and annoying repeated behaviors when paired with always.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025