Easy Way to learn english : Present continuous

Present continuous

The present continuous is used to talk about present situations which we see as short-term or temporary. We use the present simple to talk about present situations which we see as long-term or permanent.

In these examples, the action is taking place at the time of speaking.

• It's raining.
• Who is Kate talking to on the phone?
• Look, somebody is trying to steal that man's wallet.
• I'm not looking. My eyes are closed tightly.

In these examples, the action is true at the present time but we don't think it will be true in the long term.

• I'm looking for a new apartment.
• He's thinking about leaving his job.
• They're considering making an appeal against the judgment.
• Are you getting enough sleep?

Present Continuous

Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Continuous followed by a quiz.
Things that are happening now, at the moment.
What are you doing?
She's reading in the garden.
They're not standing in the rain.
Actions happening in a period around the present moment in time.
I'm reading "The Surgeon's Mate" by Patrick O'Brian.
Whose account are you working on?
She's studying hard for her final exam.
Future plans and arrangements.
We're having leftovers this evening.
What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?
She isn't coming on Friday.
Common present continuous time expressions include:
at the moment, now, today, this week, this month, tomorrow, next week (for future arrangements ), currently
Structure
Positive
Conjugate the helping verb "be" + verb + -ing.
I'm (I am) -> working today.
You're (You are) -> working today.
He's (He is) -> working today.
She's (She is) -> working today.
It's (It is) -> working today.
We're (We are) -> working today.
You're (You are) -> working today.
They're (They are) -> working today.

Negative
Conjugate the helping verb "be" + not + verb + -ing.
I'm not (I am not) -> coming this evening.
You aren't (You are not) -> coming this evening.
He isn't (He is not) -> coming this evening.
She isn't (She is not) -> coming this evening.
It isn't (It is not) -> coming this evening.
We aren't (We are not) -> coming this evening.
You aren't (You are not) -> coming this evening.
They aren't (They are not) -> coming this evening.

Questions
Question word + conjugate the helping verb 'be' + subject + verb + -ing
What -> are you -> doing this afternoon?
What -> is he -> doing this afternoon?
What -> is she -> doing this afternoon?
What -> is it -> doing this afternoon?
What -> are we -> doing this afternoon?
What -> are you -> doing this afternoon?
What -> are they -> doing this afternoon?