Present Continuous (I am doing)
Using am/is/are + -ing for actions happening now and around now
How to Form It
The present continuous is am/is/are + -ing.
| Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am + -ing | I’m preparing the report. |
| he / she / it | is + -ing | She’s reviewing the contract. |
| we / you / they | are + -ing | We’re updating the system. |
Actions Happening Right Now
Use the present continuous for something happening at the time of speaking. The action started and has not finished yet.
- Please keep your voice down. I’m trying to finish this call. (not
I try) - Where’s David? He’s having a meeting with the client. (not
He has a meeting) - Let’s go to lunch now. It isn’t raining any more. (not
It doesn’t rain) - How’s the new position? Are you enjoying it?
Actions Around Now (Not at This Exact Moment)
The action does not have to be happening at the exact moment you speak. It means you started it, you haven’t finished it, and you are in the middle of it.
Picture this: Tom is on the phone with a colleague. He says:
I’m reading a really useful book on project management at the moment.
Tom is not reading the book during the phone call. He started the book, he hasn’t finished it, and he is still in the middle of reading it.
More examples:
- Lisa wants to transfer to the Madrid office, so she’s learning Spanish. (but she is not studying Spanish right this second)
- A few people in our department are building a new onboarding tool. They hope to finish it next quarter.
Periods Around Now: today, this week, this year
You can use the present continuous with today, this week, this year, and similar time expressions that describe a period around now.
- You’re working hard today. (not
You work hard today.) - The company isn’t doing so well this year.
- We’re hiring a lot of new staff this month.
Changes and Trends
Use the present continuous when you talk about a change that has started to happen. These verbs appear often in this pattern:
| getting, becoming | changing, improving |
| starting, beginning | increasing, rising, falling, growing |
- Is your English getting better? (not
Does your English get better?) - The number of remote workers is increasing very fast. (not
increases) - At first I didn’t like the new software, but I’m starting to get used to it now. (not
I start) - Our operating costs are rising, so we need to review the budget.
Quick Self-Check
Please don't make so much noise. I _____ to concentrate on this spreadsheet.
Select your answer:
Where's Karen? — She _____ a presentation in the conference room.
Select your answer:
Our sales _____ this quarter. We may need to adjust the forecast.
Select your answer:
Marco wants to work at our Berlin branch, so he _____ German.
Select your answer:
You can turn off the projector. We _____ it any more.
Select your answer: