Present Continuous

Present continuous is a crucial part of English grammar and understanding its

nuances can greatly improve your communication skills. Through this
presentation, you'll learn to master the present continuous tense and avoid
common mistakes.

by Jonathan Bastidas
Introduction to Present Continuous
Communication
Present continuous is often used to
describe actions that are currently
taking place, which is essential in
conversations and interpersonal
communication.
Emphasis
Using present continuous can also
add emphasis and drama to a
statement, especially when talking
about ongoing situations.
Dynamicity
It can also convey a sense of
activity and vivacity in the
language, making it sound more
engaging and lively.
Forming the Present Continuous Tense
Present participle verb

The to be verb is followed by a present participle

verb (-ing form) which conveys the action being
taken. Ex: I am singing, he is playing, they are
walking.

1 2 3

Subject + to be verb Formation examples

The present continuous is formed using a subject I am eating breakfast right now. They are working
accompanied by a to be verb, that changes based on their projects. We are watching a movie after
on the subject's person and number. Ex: I am, dinner tonight.
he/she/it is, we are, they are.
Using Present Continuous for Actions
Happening Now
Now Temporary Annoyance

Present continuous is
frequently used for actions
ongoing during the moment of
speaking. Ex: I am eating
breakfast right now.
It can also describe temporary
situations that are current, but
not necessarily ongoing. Ex:
She is living in London for the
summer.
It can also be used to express
annoyance when something is
habitually done in the present
moment. Ex: You are always
interrupting me when I talk.
Using Present Continuous for Future
Arrangements
Planning
Present continuous can also be
used to describe future actions that
are scheduled or planned, but not
certain. Ex: We are having dinner
next Friday.
Travel
It is commonly used in
descriptions of travel plans and
future events. Ex: We are flying to
Paris for the weekend.
Gifts
It can also describe the actions of
someone in the process of
planning or preparing for future
events. Ex: She is looking for the
perfect gift for her mom's
birthday.
Common Mistakes When Using Present
Continuous
Using it to describe state verbs State verbs like "know, like, have" should not be
used in present continuous since they do not
describe an action.

Confusing with present simple Present continuous is used for ongoing actions,
while present simple is used for habitual actions or
universal truths.

Forgetting the auxiliary verb The "to be" verb is necessary for forming present
continuous, without which the sentence is
grammatically incorrect.
Practice Exercises for Present
Continuous
Exercise 2
Rewrite the sentence in present continuous
for future arrangements: They will have a
party on Saturday. (They _______ a party
on Saturday.)
1 Exercise 1
Complete the sentence using the present
continuous tense: Our team _______ a
2 project for the client right now. (working
on / work on)
3 Exercise 3
Choose the correct form based on the verb:
She _______ her friends now. (visit / is
visiting / visits)