What are these people doing? Write sentences. Use the words in the box.
Answer these questions.
This worksheet is about practicing the present continuous tense. Students read and answer the activities. The worksheet has an answer key.
* Download This English worksheet: “Present continuous tense printable free ESL worksheet”.
Present Continuous Tense: Structure
The present continuous tense is formed using the verb “to be” in the present tense (am, is, are) along with the base form of the main verb plus “-ing.”
Table
| Subject | Verb “to be” | Main Verb (-ing form) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | working | I am working on a project. |
| You | are | studying | You are studying for an exam. |
| He/She/It | is | playing | She is playing the piano. |
| We/They | are | traveling | We are traveling to Paris. |
Present Continuous Use
- Actions Happening Now:
- We use the present continuous for actions that are occurring at the moment of speaking.
- Example: “I’m eating lunch right now.”
- Time expressions: “now,” “at the moment,” “currently.”
- Temporary Situations:
- We can also use this tense for temporary situations, even if the action isn’t happening right now.
- Example: “John’s working in a bar until he finds a job in his field.”
- Time expressions: “these days,” “at present,” “for now.”
- Temporary or New Habits:
- Use the present continuous for habits that are not permanent.
- Example: “He’s eating a lot these days.”
- Time expressions: “these days,” “at the moment.”
- Annoying Habits:
- Use the present continuous for habits that happen very often (even if not regularly).
- Example: “You’re forever losing your keys!”
- Adverbs: “always,” “constantly,” “forever.”
- Definite Future Arrangements:
- Use the present continuous with future time words to indicate planned events.
- Example: “I’m meeting my father tomorrow.”
- Time expressions: “tomorrow,” “next week,” “at the weekend.”
Common Time Expressions with Present Continuous
- Now: I’m busy now.
- At the moment: She’s studying at the moment.
- Currently: They’re renovating the house currently.
- These days: He’s exercising a lot these days.
- Always: She’s always complaining about the weather.
- Forever: You’re forever checking your phone.
- At present: We’re not traveling at present.
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