Tense Rules( present continuous tense): Learn Basic English Grammar (Complete Tense rules explained with examples).

What is the present continuous tense?

Present continuous tense is an important part of English grammar used to show actions or any situation happening at the time of speaking or around the current period. 

It is formed by combining the present tense of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) with the present participle form of the main verb (-ing form).

Present Continuous Tense Rules

Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject of the sentences and the verb form "to be" (am, is, are) should match. "Is" should be used for singular subjects (he is, she is, it is), and "are" should be used for plural subjects (we are, they are, you are).

Present Participle Form: Add the "-ing" suffix to the base form of the verb to create the present participle form. However, keep in mind that there are certain spelling rules to follow (e.g., drop the final "e" in words like "write" becomes "writing").

 

Present Continuous Tense Examples

• I am writing an essay on my best friends.
• She is reading different kinds of novels.
• Kids are playing cricket outside now.
• Rohan is drinking coffee at the shop.
• We are going to the nearest library.
• Rick is eating his pizza at home.
• They are shopping at the fair for some refreshments.
• I like listening to old classical songs.
• We are not quarrelling with anyone.
• Are you planning to go to the movies tonight?

Type 1.

Structure of the Present Continuous Tense (Affirmative or Positive)

This is how to master the present continuous tense; there is obviously just one formula.

Subject + am/is/are + present participle (verb + ing) + the rest of the sentence.

Examples:

I am reading a novel.

You are doing it wrong.

He is playing cricket.

Type 2.

Structure of the Present Continuous Tense (Negative):-  

Subject + am/is/are + not + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence.

Examples:

I am not reading a novel.

You are not doing it wrong.

He is not playing badminton

Type 3.

Structure of the Present Continuous Tense (Interrogative):-

Am/is/are + subject + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence. 

+?

Examples:

Am I reading a novel?

Are you doing it wrong?

Is he playing cricket?

Type 4

Structure of the Present Continuous Tense (Negative Interrogative)

Just note that like the other pronouns, the pronoun ‘am’ cannot be used in the negative form in an interrogative sentence. Instead of ‘amn’t’, ‘aren’t’ is used.

Isn’t/aren’t + subject + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence

(Or)

Am/is/are + subject + not + present participle (verb+ing) + the rest of the sentence +?

Examples:

Am I not reading a novel?

Are you not doing it wrong? / Aren’t you doing it wrong?

Is he not playing cricket? / Isn’t he playing cricket?

Type 5.

Present Continuous Tense (Interrogative Sentence) With WH Family Words:

(What, when, why, where, how, which, who, whose, whom...etc.)

WH Family Words + am/is/are + subject + present participle (verb + ing) + the rest of the sentence + ?

Examples-

What are you reading?

When are you playing?

Why are you sleeping?

Where is he going?

How are they working?

Who is going with you?

Next- Present perfect tense rules with example

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