The present continuous is used to talk about an action or situation that is going on at the moment of speaking.

• Suma is driving now.
• He is writing his exam.

It is also used to say that you are in the middle of doing something. That means you have started doing it and you have not finished it.

• I am reading a crime novel at the moment.

I am not really reading the novel at the moment of speaking. What I mean is that I have started reading it and I have not finished it. That means I am in the middle of reading it.

The present continuous is commonly used with the time expressions today, now, at the moment, right now, this year, this week etc.

Talking about changes happening around now

The present continuous tense is also used to talk about changes happening around now. It is commonly used with the following verbs: get, change, become, increase, rise, grow, fall, begin, start, improve etc.

• Things are beginning to look up.
• I am getting older.
• Prices are rising.
• He is growing bald.

Worksheet

Fill in the blanks using the present continuous tense form of the verb.

1. Don’t make a noise. The baby ……………………….. (sleep)

2. Don’t disturb him now. He …………………….. (work)

3. I ………………………. for a house with a garden. (look)

4. It …………………….. to rain. (start)

5. They ………………….. for the bus. (wait)

6. What ………………… you …………………… now? (do)

7. What …………………….. he ………………………. at university? (study)

8. ‘What are you doing there?’ ‘I …………………………… ready for work.’ (get)

9. She wants to find a better job. So, she ………………………… English now. (learn)

10. It ………………………… (rain) We can’t go out now.

Answers

1. is sleeping, 2. is working, 3. am cooking, 4. is starting, 5. are waiting, 6. are you doing, 7. is he studying, 8. am getting, 9. is learning, 10. is raining