Present Continuous
3 lessons about present continuous in English, explained in Spanish. Practice with exercises and download worksheets.
- A1Grammar 15 min
Present simple or continuous
Present simple for habits and facts, present continuous for now and these days. The words that go with each one, verbs with no -ing, and exercises.
View lesson - A1Grammar 14 min
Present continuous affirmative
The present continuous affirmative is am, is, or are plus the verb with -ing: I am working. What it is for, how to spell -ing, and exercises.
View lesson - A1Grammar 13 min
Present continuous: negatives and questions
Present continuous negatives and questions: I'm not working, Is she sleeping?, What are you doing? Short answers, short forms, and exercises.
View lesson
What is Present Continuous?
The Present Continuous describes actions happening right now or around the present moment. It is formed with the verb to be (am, is, are) plus the verb with -ing: "I am studying", "They are playing". It often matches the Spanish "estar + gerundio".
When to use it
Use it for what is happening while you speak ("I'm cooking"), temporary situations ("She is living in Madrid this year"), changes in progress ("Prices are rising") and arranged plans ("We are meeting tomorrow"). It goes with now, right now, at the moment, today and this week.
Common mistakes and tips for Spanish speakers
- Do not use it with stative verbs such as know, like, want or believe: say "I know", not "I am knowing".
- It also works for near-future plans that are already arranged: "I'm flying to Lima on Friday". Spanish often uses the simple present there.
- Watch the -ing spelling rules: run becomes running, make becomes making, lie becomes lying.
Examples
I am reading a book right now.
Estoy leyendo un libro ahora mismo.
They are not working today.
Hoy no están trabajando.
What are you doing?
¿Qué estás haciendo?
We are meeting Ana at seven.
Nos vemos con Ana a las siete.