present continuous tense
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Present Continuous Tense Examples
The present continuous tense is used for actions happening now or for an action that is unfinished. This tense is also used when the action is temporary.
How to Form the Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous tense is formed with the subject plus the present particle form (-ing) of the main verb and the present continuous tense of the verb to be: am, is, are.
One simple example of this tense is: He is swimming. "He" is the subject, "is" is the present tense of the verb to be and "swimming" is the present participle verb form. Some other forms of this verb tense are:
I am singing at church today.
The boys are playing ball after school.
Examples of the Present Continuous Tense
The following are basic examples of the present continuous tense. The verb tense in each sentence is underlined.
She is crying.
He is talking to his friend.
The baby is sleeping in his crib.
We are visiting the museum in the afternoon.
Present continuous tense can be used to express something happening right now or to express something that is not happening right now. Examples of this use include:
He is not standing.
Anthony is sitting in the chair.
You are not watching the movie.
Rose is reading a book.
Present continuous tense can also be used to show that something will or will not happen in the near future. Examples of this use include:
She is not going to the game tonight.
He is meeting his friends after school.
Are you visiting your cousin this weekend?
I am not going to the meeting after work.
Is John playing football today?
Present continuous tense can be used for actions that are still happening at the time of speaking. Examples of this use include:
Marc is making pizza now.
They are eating lunch right now.
Frances is talking on the phone at the moment.
Present continuous tense can be used in questions as well. Here are some more examples of this use:
Is she laughing?
Are they listening to the teacher?
Is the baby drinking his bottle?
Are you going?