Present Continuous Tense
The Present Continuous Tense is used for an action going on at the time of
speaking. For example; she is singing (now), the boys are playing hockey. Present
Continuous Tense is also called present progressive tense.
Rules: Helping verb "is, are or am" is used before 1st form of verb with
addition of "ing" in sentence.
Structure of Sentence
Positive Sentence
§ Subject + helping verb ("is", "are" or "am") + (1st form of verb+ing)
+ object
Note:
o If the subject is "he, she, it or singular proper noun" then helping verb "is"
is used after subject.
o If the subject is "they, we, you or plural noun" then helping verb "are" is
used.
o If subject is "I" then helping verb "am" is used.
o The participle "ing" is added to the 1st form of verb.
Examples
1. He is writing a letter.
2. We are walking.
3. I am running.
Negative Sentence
§ Subject + helping verb ("is", "are" or "am") + not + (1st form of
verb+ing) + object
Note:
o "not" is added after helping verb.
o In negative sentence, other rules for using helping verbs ("is", "are" or
"am") after subject are same as mentioned above in positive sentences.
Examples
1. He is not writing a letter.
2. We are not walking.
3. I am not running.
Interrogative Sentence
§ Helping verb ("Is", "Are" or "Am") + subject + (1st form of
verb+ing) + object
Note:
o The sentence is started with helping verb "Is, Are or Am".
o The use of helping verbs is same as mentioned above in positive sentences.
Examples
1. Is he writing a letter?
2. Are we walking?
3. Am I running?
4. Where are we walking?
Note:
o The words "what, where, when, how, etc." will be used before "is", "are" or
"am" in such kind of interrogative sentences.
Interrogative Negative Sentence
§ Helping verb ("Is", "Are" or "Am") + subject + not + (1st form of
verb+ing) + object
Note:
o In Present Continuous Tense, interrogative negative sentences are just like
interrogative affirmative sentences with only use of "not" after subject.
Examples
1. Is he not writing a letter?
2. Are we not walking?
3. Am I not running?
Rule: Must put Question Mark (?) in the end of interrogative and
interrogative negative sentences.
More Examples of Present Continuous Tense
Positive Sentences
1. I am watching television.
2. We are reading newspaper.
3. You are washing clothes.
4. Usman is reaching home in time.
5. He is teaching English.
6. It is raining.
7. I am going to China tomorrow.
8. We are eating out tonight.
9. Mr. Abdul Rehman is arriving this evening.
Negative Sentences
1. I am not watching television.
2. We are not reading newspaper.
3. They are not playing football.
4. You are not washing clothes.
5. She is not cooking food.
6. Sun is not rising in east.
7. Birds are not chirping.
8. It is not raining.
Interrogative Sentences
1. Am I watching television?
2. Are we reading newspaper?
3. Are they playing football?
4. Are you washing clothes?
5. Is she cooking food?
6. Is sun rising in east?
7. Are birds chirping?
8. Is it raining?
9. Where are they playing?
[Link] is she teaching?
Interrogative Negative Sentences
1. Am I not watching television?
2. Are we not going to school?
3. Are they not playing football?
4. Are you not washing clothes?
5. Is she not cooking food?
6. Is sun not rising in east?
7. Are birds not chirping?
8. Is it not raining?
Some verbs, on account of their meaning, are not usually used in
the continuous form?
There are verbs which are normally not used in the present continuous tense. The
verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer to
status, rather than actions or processes.
§ Senses / Perception
feel, hear, see, smell, taste
§ Emotions / Desires
envy, fear, dislike, hate, hope, like, love, mind, prefer, regret, want, wish
§ Opinion
assume, believe, consider, doubt, feel, find, suppose, think
§ Mental States
forget, imagine, know, mean, notice, recognise, remember, understand
§ Measurement
contain, cost, hold, measure, weigh
§ Others
look, seem, be, have, (when it means "to possess")
Example
It is not correct to say: He is wanting to teach English
You may say: He wants to teach English
Exceptions
Perception verbs (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) are often used with can: I can see...
These verbs may be used in the continuous form but with a different meaning:
This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat's qualities)
Patient is feeling much better now. (his health is improving)
Student has all books. (possession)
They are having dinner. (They are eating)
I can see ball in the garden. (perception)
We are seeing the doctor this afternoon. (We are planning to meet)