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Present continuous: explanation and exercises

A1Updated 2026-09-216 exercises

The present continuous (also called present progressive) describes actions happening right now, temporary situations, and fixed plans in the near future. It is built with am, is or are plus the -ing form of the verb.

How it is formed

Affirmative

I am reading. / She is reading. / They are reading.

Negative

I am not reading. / He isn’t reading. / We aren’t reading.

Question

Are you reading?

Is she reading?

When to use it

  • Actions in progress now: Look! It is raining.
  • Temporary situations: I am staying with a friend this week.
  • Arrangements: We are meeting at six tonight.

Common mistakes

  • Not thisI am knowing the answer.

    Say thisI know the answer.

    State verbs (know, like, want, believe) are not normally used in the continuous.

  • Not thisShe is work today.

    Say thisShe is working today.

    The main verb needs -ing after am/is/are.

  • Not thisThey running.

    Say thisThey are running.

    Never drop the auxiliary verb.

Tips for teaching it

  • Start with a picture: students describe what people are doing. The meaning of “now” is obvious and the form comes naturally.
  • Teach the spelling rules (make → making, run → running, lie → lying) as a five-minute warm-up, not a whole lesson.
  • Contrast with present simple as soon as both are secure: routine versus right now.

Practice: present continuous exercises

Try these exercises. Answers are checked in your browser and never sent to us. Teachers can share this page with a class as it is.

1Complete the sentence.

Look! The baby.

2Complete the sentence.

WeTV right now.

3Complete the sentence.

they playing outside?

4Complete the sentence.

Imy new shoes today.

Which verb is not normally used in the continuous?

Choose the correct sentence.

Frequently asked questions

Can the present continuous talk about the future?

Yes, for arranged plans with a time: We are flying to Boston on Friday. For predictions and intentions, going to or will is often clearer.

Which verbs can’t be used in the continuous?

State verbs such as know, love, want, need, believe and understand. Some, like have and think, change meaning: I’m having lunch (eating) versus I have a car (own).