English · A2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Present continuous
Use am/is/are + -ing for an action around now or a temporary situation.
Understand the choice
The tense combines two choices: be agrees with the subject, and the lexical verb takes -ing. Time context distinguishes right now, around now, and future arrangement.
Core rule: Present continuous is be + present participle; use it for current/temporary action and arranged future, not most state verbs.
Notice it in context
She is working from home this week.
Ella está trabajando desde casa esta semana.
Is agrees with she; working carries -ing; this week marks temporary period.
I am reading the report now.
Reading is happening at this moment.
Am reading is current action.
We are meeting the client tomorrow.
A client meeting is arranged for tomorrow.
Present continuous expresses future arrangement.
What to remember
- Spelling changes include make→making, run→running, lie→lying.
- Know, believe, need, and own are usually not continuous in their state meanings.
Common trap: Do not omit be: she is working.