This document provides information about using the present continuous tense in English. It describes the form as subject + am/is/are + verbing + object. The present continuous is used to describe actions happening now or an arrangement in the near future. It can also show annoyance with a repeated action. Certain verbs like think, know, and have are not usually used in the continuous form.

1. Present Continuous TensePresent Continuous Tense
FORMFORM S + AM/IS/ARE + V-INGS + AM/IS/ARE + V-ING
SIGNSIGN The Present Continuous usuallyThe Present Continuous usually
goes with “now, at the present, at thegoes with “now, at the present, at the
moment, at this time…”moment, at this time…”
USESUSES The Present Continuous is used:The Present Continuous is used:
- For an action in progress at the moment- For an action in progress at the moment
of speaking.of speaking.
EXEX: He: He is waitingis waiting for you outside now.for you outside now.

2. - For something that is happening around- For something that is happening around
the time of speaking but not necessarily atthe time of speaking but not necessarily at
the moment of speaking.the moment of speaking.
EXEX:: I’m writingI’m writing a novel at the moment.a novel at the moment.
-- For a changing situation.For a changing situation.
EXEX: The world population: The world population is increasingis increasing soso
rapidly.rapidly.
- For a definite arrangement about the near- For a definite arrangement about the near
future.future.
EXEX: We: We are visitingare visiting him this Sunday.him this Sunday.

3. - With “always” to express the speaker’s- With “always” to express the speaker’s
annoyance about something.annoyance about something.
EXEX: Tom: Tom is always gettingis always getting home late.home late.
- For a temporary action.- For a temporary action.
EXEX: I: I’m walking’m walking to school today becauseto school today because
my bike got punctured.my bike got punctured.

4. VERBS WITHOUT CONTINUOUSVERBS WITHOUT CONTINUOUS
FORMFORM
The following verbs are not normally used inThe following verbs are not normally used in
the continuous forms:the continuous forms:
- Verbs of the senses: feel (vi), hear, see,- Verbs of the senses: feel (vi), hear, see,
smell (vi), notice, look (vi), sound, tastesmell (vi), notice, look (vi), sound, taste
(vi).(vi).
- Verbs of feelings and emotions: admire,- Verbs of feelings and emotions: admire,
detest, dislike, fear, hate, loathe, love,detest, dislike, fear, hate, loathe, love,
mind, want, wish.mind, want, wish.

5. - Verbs of mental activity: agree, assume,- Verbs of mental activity: agree, assume,
believe, forget, know, perceive, realize,believe, forget, know, perceive, realize,
recall, recognize, remember, suppose,recall, recognize, remember, suppose,
think, understand.think, understand.
- Verbs of possession: own, have, belong,- Verbs of possession: own, have, belong,
possess, owe.possess, owe.

6. - Verbs of mental activity: agree, assume,- Verbs of mental activity: agree, assume,
believe, forget, know, perceive, realize,believe, forget, know, perceive, realize,
recall, recognize, remember, suppose,recall, recognize, remember, suppose,
think, understand.think, understand.
- Verbs of possession: own, have, belong,- Verbs of possession: own, have, belong,
possess, owe.possess, owe.