Present Continuous Tense Form And Uses | C1 – C2 Grammar

The present continuous has several uses.

To talk about actions or situations happening around now

• The children are flying kites.
• Grandma is knitting a sweater.
• She is learning a new language at the moment.
• I am working on a new project.
• It is starting to rain.
• We are waiting for the train.
• I am reading a new novel these days.

To talk about actions or situations that are temporary

• She is living in Mumbai at the moment.
• She is currently working on a new project.
• She is volunteering at a hospital at present.

To talk about changing and developing situations

• It is starting to rain.
• I am growing old.
• Times are changing.
• The world is getting warmer.
• World population is increasing.
• Prices are rising

To talk about annoying or amusing habits

• Arun is always coming up with the most brilliant ideas.
• Grandma is always bringing nice presents.
• He is always arriving at the most inopportune moments.
• You are always complaining.

To talk about pre-planned future arrangements

• I am taking my driving test tomorrow.
• Grandma is arriving in the afternoon.
• I am seeing the doctor tomorrow.

The present continuous is commonly used with the following time expressions: now, right now, for now, at the moment, currently, for the time being, at present, this week, tomorrow etc.

• What is she doing now?
• She is doing a computer course at the moment.
• He is currently pursuing his graduation.
• Where is she working right now?
• She is currently working as a waitress.
• She is training to be a nurse at present.
• I am not going to their party.
• For the time being, she is staying with her parents.

Worksheet

Make sentences in the present continuous tense using the verb given in the brackets.

1. What ………………………. (we have) for dinner?
2. When …………………… (she arrive) from Mumbai?
3. Why …………………… (you cry)?
4. I ……………….. (wait) for my results.
5. I ……………………. (not clean) your room.
6. Who ……………………. (cook) his dinner tonight?
7. Things ……………… (are go) from bad to worse.
8. She ……………………. (learn) computer at the moment.
9. My cousin …………………… (get) married in July.

Answers

1. are we having, 2. is she arriving, 3. are you crying, 4. am waiting, 5. am not cleaning, 6. is cooking, 7. are going, 8. is learning, 9. is getting