Grammar basics
Present continuous
Use the present continuous for actions that are happening now, or around now.
Structure
| Sentence | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + am/is/are + V-ing | I am learning English. |
| Negative | Subject + am/is/are + not + V-ing | I**'m not working** today. |
| Question | Am/Is/Are + subject + V-ing? | Are you coding right now? |
Use am with I, is with he, she, it, and are with you, we, they.
When to use
Actions happening right now
I'm eating lunch. Can I call you back?
Actions happening around now (this week, this month)
I'm reading a book about Django this week.
Fixed plans for the future
Use a future time word, like tomorrow or next week.
I'm meeting my new client tomorrow.
Don't use it with stative verbs
Stative verbs like know, like and want usually don't take -ing. Say I know the answer, not I am knowing the answer.
Thai speakers: กำลัง = am/is/are + V-ing
ฉันกำลังทำงาน = I am working. Don't forget am, is or are. I working is wrong.
Time words
These words often go with the present continuous.
Now
At this time, not before and not later.
I'm fixing a bug now. Give me five minutes.
At the moment
Now, at this time. It is a little more polite than now.
She's in a meeting at the moment.
Currently
At the present time. People often use it at work.
I'm currently building a vocabulary website.