Introduction
The present continuous (or present progressive) is used for actions that are happening at the present moment.
Form
To form the present continuous, use am, is, and are, followed by the present participle:
Negative Form
The negative form simply adds not:
We are not skinny-dipping.
Asking Questions
Use the regular form to ask questions:
Are you watching the game?
Primary Uses
Present Actions
We are studying right now.
Ongoing / Temporary Actions
They are doing a major in Spanish.
Trends
More and more people are writing papers on their phones.
Future
Tomorrow I am coaching the junior team.
Irritation
She is always shouting.
More Information
For more information, please see our introduction to all twelve verb tenses in English.