How to Use the Present Continuous Tense｜Explaining the Structure “be + ing”

When I want to say “I am doing something right now” in English, I use the present continuous tense. It is formed with the verb “be” + the -ing form of a verb, and it is used to describe actions happening at the moment or temporary situations.

In this lesson, I will explain how to form present continuous sentences, how to use them, and how they differ from the basic present tense.

1. Basic Structure of the Present Continuous

A sentence in the present continuous tense is formed as follows:

The key point is that the main verb must always take the -ing form.

This correspondence is something I must always keep in mind whenever I use the verb “be,” not only in the present continuous.

2. Uses and Meanings of the Present Continuous

The present continuous is mainly used in two situations:

2-1. Actions Happening Right Now

This is the most basic use of the present continuous. I use it when I want to say “I am doing something now.”

It is often used together with expressions emphasizing “now,” such as now, right now, at the moment.

2-2. Temporary Actions (Not Regular Habits)

The present continuous also expresses actions limited to a certain time or temporary activities.

Thus, it can describe actions restricted to the present period.

3. Forming the -ing Verb and Spelling Rules

When adding -ing to verbs, the basic rule is simply to attach it. However, there are several spelling changes:

These changes are made to keep spelling and pronunciation natural. Rather than memorizing mechanically, it is best to get used to them through real words.

4. Negative and Interrogative Forms

The present continuous has simple rules for negatives and questions.

4-1. Negatives: be verb + not + -ing verb

Contractions (isn’t / aren’t) are frequently used.

4-2. Questions: Move the be verb to the beginning

Since the present continuous uses the be verb, questions are formed by inverting the subject and the be verb. Unlike the present tense, I do not use do/does for these questions.

5. Difference Between the Present Simple and the Present Continuous

5-1. Present Simple: Habits and General Facts

The present simple is used for habitual actions and universal truths.

It also expresses scientific or universal facts:

5-2. Present Continuous: Current and Temporary Actions

The present continuous describes actions happening right now or those that are temporary.

It also applies to temporary or limited actions:

6. Summary

Izumi

Author

「English Morning｜基礎から学ぶ英語講座」を運営している泉（Izumi）です。このサイトでは基礎から応用まで、英語の文法を解説しています。