The present continuous tense, is also referred to as the present progressive.

Actions that are happening now

Level: Beginner

We use the present continuous when we are talking about things that are happening at the moment of speaking. The actions usually last a short while and are still ongoing. The action cannot be finished.

You are reading this sentence.

The band isn’t playing now.

Is your team winning the match?

Temporary Situations

Level: Beginner

When situations occur regularly but are temporary we use the present continuous.

Sam is working at the restaurant.

Sam wants to buy a new car, but he does not have enough money. Sam does not plan to keep working at the restaurant permanently. Once he has enough money for his car, he will quit working at the restaurant. This is a temporary situation.

I’m learning how to cook French food.

The speaker takes classes at a cooking school, but the course is short. These classes will not be a regular part of the speaker’s life in the long term.

New or Temporary Habits

Level: Intermediate

The present continuous is also used when we want to talk about new or temporary habits. We can often use expressions like ‘these days’ to express this.

Joe is watching a lot of TV these days.

Joe became interested in watching a new TV series on Netflix. He watches several episodes a day. The series only has three seasons. Once Joe finishes the series he will probably watch less TV.

Sara is working too hard these days.

Sara has a important deadline at work, which is causing her a lot of stress. Once the project is finished Sara will not work so hard.

Future Arrangements

Level: Intermediate

The present continuous is used to talk about future arrangements. Usually, a future time word or expression is used, or the context of the conversation is clear that we are talking about the future.

Julie and Mary are flying to Paris in two weeks.

Julie and Mary have bought their tickets to fly to Paris. Their flight leaves in two weeks.

Joe: What are you doing after class?
Paul: I’m going to the shopping mall.

Joe asks about Paul’s plans after the class is finished. Paul replies with his answer without a time expression because he understands that Joe is already talking about future.

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