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Present Continuous Tense

Definition

This verb tense describes present actions happening at the moment of writing or a future plan.

Example

Wally is studying right now.

Explanation

The present continuous —

• has the form be + verb -ing.
• describes an action happening at the moment of speaking.
• describes a continuing present action.
• is used to describe a set future event.
• does not describe habitual actions in the present.
• cannot be used with stative (non-action) verbs such as: “be”, “believe”, “belong”, “forget”, “have”, “hear”, “know”, “like”, “love”, “mean”, “need”, “prefer”, “realize”, “remember”, “see”, “seem”, “understand”, and “want”.
• uses “not” to make negative sentences.
• has question forms.