It is a verb tense used to talk about actions that are happening right now or in the extended present.
Structure
Affirmative
Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing • I am working (Estoy trabajando)
• She is reading (Ella está leyendo)
• They are playing (Ellos están jugando)
Negative
Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing • I am not working
• He is not sleeping (or isn't sleeping)
• We are not eating (or aren't eating)
Interrogative
Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing • Are you studying? (¿Estás estudiando?)
• Is she coming? (¿Ella viene/está viniendo?)
• Am I bothering you? (¿Te estoy molestando?)
Main Uses
Actions in progress right now
At the time of speaking.
• I'm talking to you right now
• She's driving to work
Temporary actions in the present
Sometimes the action is not happening at the time of speaking.
• She's living in Paris this year
• I'm reading a really good book at the moment
Definite future plans
• We're meeting tomorrow at 5 PM
• I'm flying to New York next month
Changing situations
We use the present continuous when we talk about a change that has started to happen.
Common verbs: getting, becoming, changing, improving, starting, beginning, increasing, rising, falling, growing
• The weather is getting colder
• The population of the world is increasing very fast
Complaints or criticism (with "always")
• He's always complaining!
• She's always interrupting me when I'm talking
Exercises
1.1 Choose the correct verb in present continuous:
Words: Cross, Hide, Scratch, Take, Tie, Wave
1. Sarah is at a wedding. The photographer wants a photo. She's _______ a picture.
2. Tom's shoe came untied while walking. He _______ a shoelace.
3. A group of people are waiting for the traffic light to turn green. They _______ the road.
4. John has an itch on his head and is using his hand. He _______ his head.
5. Maria doesn't want anyone to see her at the party. She _______ behind a tree.
6. Peter sees his friend across the street and moves his hand in the air. He _______ to somebody.
1.2 Match the sentences:
The sentences on the right follow those on the left. Which sentence goes with which?
LEFT
1. Please don't make so much noise.
2. We need to leave soon.
3. I don't have anywhere to live right now.
4. I need to eat something soon.
5. They don't need their car any more.
6. Things are not so good at work.
7. It isn't true what they say.
8. We're going to get wet.
RIGHT
A. I'm getting hungry.
B. They're lying.
C. It's starting to rain.
D. They're trying to sell it.
E. It's getting late.
F. I'm trying to work.
G. I'm staying with friends.
H. The company is losing money.
ANSWER
1.3 Write questions. Use the present continuous:
1. What's all that noise? (what/happen?)
2. What's the matter? (why/you/cry?)
3. Where's your mother? (she/work/today?)
4. I haven't seen you for ages (what/you/do/these days?)
5. Amy is a student (what/she/study?)
6. Who are those people? (what/they/do?)
7. I heard you started a new job (you/enjoy/it?)
8. We're not in a hurry (why/you/walk/so fast?)
1.4 Put the verb into the correct form, positive or negative:
1. Please don't make so much noise. (I / try) to work.
2. Let's go out now. (it / rain) any more.
3. You can turn off the radio. (I / listen) to it.
4. Kate phoned last night. She's on holiday with friends. (She / have) a great time and doesn't want to come back.
5. Andrew started evening classes recently. (He / learn) Japanese.
6. Paul and Sarah have had an argument and now (they / speak) to one another.
7. The situation is already very bad and now (it / get) worse.
8. Tim (work) today. He's taken the day off.
9. (I / look) for Sophie. Do you know where she is?
10. The washing machine has been repaired. (It / work) now.
11. (They / build) a new hospital. It will be finished next year.
12. Ben is a student, but he's not very happy. (He / enjoy) his course.
13. (The weather / change). Look at those clouds. I think it's going to rain.
14. Dan has been in the same job for a long time. (He / start) to get bored with it.