Present Continuous Tense

Uses of Present Continuous Tense

Use Case 1: ongoing action

We use Present Continuous Tense to talk about an action that is going on at the time of speaking.

I am studying.

We often use time expressions such as at the moment, at present, now-a-days, these days, today, currently, just (now) and still, to emphasize that the action or event is happening now.

That is, these expressions of time are used to express temporary activity. That’s why we should use present continuous tense with them.

I am studying English at the moment.
Are you coming to the party? – I am just leaving.

Use Case 2: something is done repeatedly

We use Present Continuous Tense along with words like always, constantly, continually, or forever, when we want to emphasise that something is done repeatedly.

Generally this is done when we want to show that we are unhappy about it (including our own behaviour).

They are constantly creating trouble for me in the office.

Use Case 3: temporary action

We use Present Continuous Tense for a temporary action which may not be actually happening at the time of speaking (i.e. this action or event must have begun but not have ended, even though it might not be going on at the time of speaking).

I am reading ‘The Fountainhead’. (but I may or may not be reading at this particular moment)

The police are talking to a number of people about the homicide. (but may or may not be talking at this particular moment)

Use Case 4: changes, developments, and trends

We use the Present Continuous tense when we talk about changes, developments, and trends (i.e. to express gradual changes or process of change).

I am beginning to realise how challenging it is to be a scientist.
The growing number of tourists is damaging this serene destination.

Present Continuous Tense for future

Concept 1

We also use the Present Continuous Tense for an action that has already been arranged/planned to take place in the near future.

I am going to the match tonight.
My parents are arriving tomorrow.

Concept 2

We don’t use the Present Continuous Tense for the future:

• when we make or report predictions about activities or events over which we have no control (we can’t plan/arrange these).
  I guess it is raining soon. (incorrect)
  I guess it is going to rain soon. (correct)
  I guess it will rain soon. (correct)

• when we talk about permanent future situations.
  This shopping mall is having nine floors. (incorrect)
  This shopping mall is going to have nine floors. (correct)
  This shopping mall will have nine floors. (correct)

Different Sentence structures of the Present Continuous tense

We use the following helping verbs in present continuous tense (depending on person and number of subject):

Structure of Declarative sentences

Affirmative Declarative Sentences

Pattern: Subject + is/am/are + $V_4$ + Object

I am going to college.
Aanya is going to college.
They are going to college.  

Negative Declarative Sentences

Pattern: Subject + is/am/are + not + $V_4$ + Object

I am not going to college.
Aanya is not going to college.
They are not going to college.

Structure of Interrogative sentences

Affirmative Interrogative Sentences

Pattern 1: Is/Am/Are + Subject + $V_4$ + Object?

Am I going to college?
Is Aanya going to college?
Are they going to college?

Pattern 2: Wh. family + is/am/are + Subject + $V_4$ + Object?

When is Aanya going to college?
When are they going to college? 

Negative Interrogative Sentences

Pattern 1: Is/Am/Are + Subject + not + $V_4$ + Object?

Am I not going to college?
Is Aanya not going to college?
Are they not going to college?

Pattern 2: Wh. family + is/am/are + Subject + not + $V_4$ + Object?

Why is Aanya not going to college?
Why are they not going to college? 

Extra Books and Tools

If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.