Present Continuous Tense in English

Present Continuous (Present Progressive): The present continuous tense is formed by using the base form of the verb + -ing, with the helping verb am/is/are.

Time Expressions: now, right now, at present, at the moment, today.

Examples:

I am learning English now.

She is doing her homework at the moment.

We are making a cake.

Note: For words ending in -e, the -ing suffix is added directly.

Smile becomes They are smiling.

Take becomes She is taking a photo.

Note: For words ending in a single vowel + consonant, the last letter is doubled before adding -ing.

Stop becomes We are stopping here.

Swim becomes They are swimming.

Dig becomes He is digging a hole.

Important: Some action verbs are not used with the -ing form:

Understand: I understand you.

Like: I like ice cream.

Hate: She hates spiders.

Belong: This book belongs to me.

Enjoy: They enjoy watching movies.

Want: I want a new phone.

Need: He needs help.

Believe: I believe you.

Usage:

Present continuous tense is used for actions happening at the exact time of speaking:

Susan is crying.

I am doing my homework.

Jane is washing the dishes.

It is also used for actions happening around the present time but not necessarily at the exact moment of speaking:

Michael is working in London.

It can also be used to talk about future arrangements:

I’m having my French exam on Tuesday.