Present Continuous Tense in English

What is Present Continuous Tense?

The present continuous tense, also known as the present progressive tense, describes an action or event that is currently in progress and is formed using a present tense form of ‘to be’ followed by the present participle (-ing) of the main verb.

Examples:

1. I am reading a novel.
2. They are watching a movie.
3. She is singing a song in the shower.
4. The dog is barking at the mailman.
5. The children are laughing and playing together.

Present Continuous Tense

Present Continuous Tense Formula

Subject + am/is/are + (verb+ing) + object

Type of Sentences	Formula	Sentences
Positive	[Subject + am/is/are + Ving + object]	She is singing a song.
Negative	[Subject + am/is/are + not + Ving + object]	She is not singing a song.
Question	[am/is/are + subject + Ving + object + ?]	Is she singing a song?
Wh-Questions	[Wh + am/is/are + subject + Ving + object + ?]	Where is she singing?

Present Continuous Tense Examples

Affirmative	Negative	Interrogative
They are laughing.	They are’t laughing.	Are they laughing?
My friend is studying.	My friend isn’t studying.	Is my friend studying?
I am running on the playground.	I am not running on the playground.	Am I running on the playground?
We are watching a movie.	We aren’t watching a movie.	Are we watching a movie?
She is cleaning the house.	She is not cleaning the house.	Is she cleaning the house?

Affirmative Sentences in Present Continuous Tense

1. He is planning a road trip.
2. She is trying different outfits.
3. He is painting a picture.
4. She is cooking dinner for her family.
5. The phone is ringing in the other room.
6. She is learning a new language online.
7. The flowers are blooming in the garden.
8. She is practicing yoga in her living room.
9. They are fishing at the lake.
10. They are rehearsing for a play.
11. He is repairing his car in the garage.
12. She is reading a book on the couch.
13. The train is leaving the station.
14. He is writing a report for his boss.
15. They are watching a football game.
16. The airplane is flying overhead.
17. She is watering the plants.
18. I am reading a book in the library.
19. He is jogging on the playground.
20. She is playing a game of chess in the park.

Negative Sentences in Present Continuous Tense

1. I am not feeling well.
2. We aren’t having a picnic today.
3. He isn’t running a marathon this year.
4. He isn’t driving his car today.
5. She isn’t teaching a class today.
6. He isn’t taking a walk today.
7. She isn’t playing volleyball today.
8. We aren’t hosting a dinner party tonight.
9. We aren’t having a meeting today.
10. I am not drinking a soft drink.
11. He isn’t cooking dinner tonight.
12. She isn’t taking a nap today.
13. They aren’t eating junk food these days.
14. He isn’t taking a shower yet.
15. He isn’t playing guitar right now.
16. They aren’t going to the concert tonight.
17. They aren’t eating lunch yet.
18. I am not starting a new business this year.
19. They aren’t going to the gym today.
20. She isn’t learning a new language this year.

Interrogative Sentences in Present Continuous Tense

1. Are we starting a new project this week?
2. Is he playing video games right now?
3. Are they going to the gym today?
4. Is she taking care of his plants now?
5. Is he fixing the plumbing in the bathroom?
6. Are we planning a vacation this year?
7. Is he writing a novel this year?
8. Is she having a cup of coffee now?
9. Are they watching a movie now?
10. Is he practicing his guitar now?
11. Are we organizing a book club this year?
12. Is he typing an email?
13. Is he cooking dinner tonight?
14. Are they watching a sports game?
15. Is he repairing a bike?
16. Are they learning a new language?
17. Is she painting a picture?
18. Are they practicing her drawing skills?
19. Is she taking care of his pets now?
20. Is he painting a portrait now?

Simple Continuous Tense Exercise

1. He _______________ a cup of coffee. (have)
2. We _______________ for a party. (prepare)
3. ______ they ____________ hard for their upcoming exams? (study)
4. They _____________ their house over the weekend. (renovate)
5. ______ she _____________ a portrait of her best friend? (draw)
6. The snow ____________ softly outside the window. (fall)
7. We ____________ a sunset cruise on the river. (enjoy)
8. We ____________ in the hot tub after a long day. (relax)
9. The children ___________ in the backyard happily. (play)
10. She _____________ a book about her travels abroad. (not, write)

Answers:

1. He is having a cup of coffee. (have)
2. We are preparing for a party. (prepare)
3. Are they studying hard for their upcoming exams? (study)
4. They are renovating their house over the weekend. (renovate)
5. Is she drawing a portrait of her best friend? (draw)
6. The snow is falling softly outside the window. (fall)
7. We are enjoying a sunset cruise on the river. (enjoy)
8. We are relaxing in the hot tub after a long day. (relax)
9. The children are playing in the backyard happily. (play)
10. She isn’t writing a book about her travels abroad. (not, write)