The present continuous describes actions happening right now or temporary situations around the current time. It also sets scenes and can express planned near-future events.
Formation
The present continuous forms with to be + -ing and aligns with the subject for natural expression. Use the base verb + -ing and keep the auxiliary in the correct tense.
Affirmative Sentences
Say the subject followed by the correct form of to be and then the verb ending in -ing for a clear ongoing action.
Yo trabajo desde casa hoy.
Negative Sentences
Insert not after the auxiliary to be to deny the action, keeping the verb in the -ing form.
Questions
Invert to be and the subject to ask about ongoing actions, placing the verb ending in -ing afterwards.
Uses
Use the present continuous for actions happening at the moment, temporary actions, changing situations, repeated actions with always, and planned near-future events.
Signal Words
Signal words like now, at the moment, and these days often appear with the present continuous to highlight timing. Short examples help learners spot patterns quickly.
Summary
The present continuous uses to be + -ing to describe actions happening now, temporary situations, and near-future plans. Signal words and small tweaks for negatives and questions make it easy to use.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025