The present continuous tense is used when we talk about actions happening right now or things that are in progress. It’s also common for near-future plans and temporary situations.
The structure is simple: am/is/are + verb-ing
Example: She is using my laptop.
This article gives you over 100 practical examples, grouped by everyday situations. These sentences will help you speak and write more confidently about what’s happening now or soon. Use them in conversations, notes, or practice exercises to get comfortable with this important tense.
Daily Activities in Progress
These sentences show how to use the present continuous tense for things happening at the moment of speaking.
- I am brushing my teeth.
- She is making breakfast in the kitchen.
- They are waiting at the bus stop.
- We are watching a science documentary.
- He is writing an email to his professor.
- I am charging my phone.
- She is washing the dishes.
- The kids are playing in the garden.
- My brother is setting the table.
- They are talking about the project.
- I am reading the instructions carefully.
- He is calling the mechanic.
- We are having lunch right now.
- She is cleaning her room.
- The dog is barking at the gate.
- I am opening the windows.
- They are listening to music.
- He is checking the weather forecast.
- We are reviewing the budget details.
- She is filling out the registration form.
Temporary Actions and Current Projects
These sentences show how the present continuous tense is used to talk about ongoing actions that are happening around now, but not permanently.
- I am staying with my cousin this week.
- She is working on a short-term freelance project.
- They are attending a summer course.
- He is learning how to drive.
- We are using a rental car until ours gets repaired.
- I am reading a novel for my literature class.
- She is following a new fitness routine this month.
- He is preparing for an English exam.
- We are living in a guesthouse while our apartment is being painted.
- They are rehearsing for a stage performance.
- I am helping my friend with her portfolio.
- She is studying business management online.
- He is practicing the guitar every evening this week.
- We are taking care of our neighbor’s plants.
- They are trying out a new schedule at work.
- I am exploring different career options.
- She is using a loaner laptop from the school.
- He is planning his final year project.
- We are organizing files for the audit.
- They are participating in a startup challenge this month.
Near-Future Plans and Arrangements
The present continuous is often used to talk about things that are planned or scheduled for the near future, especially when a time reference is included.
- I am meeting my friend at the library this evening.
- She is flying to Kolkata tomorrow morning.
- They are having dinner with their relatives tonight.
- We are attending a webinar at 4 PM.
- He is visiting the dentist next Monday.
- I am joining the new office next week.
- She is going shopping after class.
- We are watching a play this Friday.
- They are moving into their new apartment next weekend.
- He is presenting the report at tomorrow’s meeting.
- I am taking the language test on Saturday.
- She is starting her internship next month.
- We are leaving for the airport in an hour.
- They are going to the museum in the afternoon.
- He is meeting his advisor before the seminar.
Repeated or Annoying Actions (with “always”)
When paired with “always,” the present continuous tense can express repeated behaviors, often with a sense of irritation or exaggeration in casual speech.
- She is always forgetting her wallet.
- He is always interrupting people during meetings.
- They are always coming late to class.
- You are always losing your keys.
- He is always leaving the lights on.
- She is always borrowing my notes without asking.
- They are always talking loudly in the library.
- He is always skipping his breakfast.
- You are always texting during group work.
- She is always changing her mind at the last minute.
Present Continuous in Negative Sentences
These examples show how to form negative sentences in the present continuous tense using am not, is not (isn’t), are not (aren’t).
- I am not watching TV right now.
- She isn’t feeling well today.
- They are not attending the workshop.
- He isn’t studying for the test.
- We aren’t using the room today.
- I’m not going anywhere this weekend.
- She is not joining the group project.
- He is not wearing his uniform today.
- They aren’t planning to stay long.
- We are not preparing for a quiz.
- He isn’t coming with us to the event.
- I am not working on that task anymore.
- She isn’t answering her phone.
- They are not traveling this month.
- We aren’t playing football today.
Present Continuous in Questions
These examples show how to form questions using the present continuous tense. They’re useful for checking what someone is doing now or what’s planned soon.
- Are you working on your assignment?
- Is she coming to the study group?
- Are they watching the movie together?
- Is he joining us for lunch?
- Are we meeting the teacher today?
- Are you listening to the instructions?
- Is she cooking something special?
- Are they bringing their laptops?
- Is he wearing the new uniform?
- Are we going to the right building?
- Is she staying with her aunt this week?
- Are you checking your messages?
- Are they attending the online class?
- Is he waiting outside?
- Are we leaving now?
Real-Life Dialogue Starters Using Present Continuous
These short, natural expressions use the present continuous tense and are commonly used in everyday spoken English.
- I’m just finishing up.
- We’re getting ready to leave.
- She’s coming with us.
- He’s looking for his notebook.
- They’re waiting downstairs.
- I’m heading out in a minute.
- We’re making coffee—want some?
- She’s helping me with this file.
- I’m working on that now.
- They’re joining us later.
- He’s not feeling well today.
- We’re going over the plan again.
- She’s taking a short break.
- I’m starting the meeting now.
- They’re calling to confirm the details.
Mixed Practice Sentences (Positive, Negative, Questions)
This set includes a variety of affirmative, negative, and interrogative present continuous sentences to help learners practice using the tense in different contexts.
- I am writing a story for class.
- She isn’t talking to anyone right now.
- Are they practicing for the debate?
- We are planning a surprise for her.
- He is not answering his phone.
- Are you bringing your notes to the meeting?
- They are helping organize the event.
- I’m not staying out late tonight.
- Is she preparing for the quiz?
- We’re setting up the display board.
- He isn’t attending the final session.
- Are they using the lab this afternoon?
- She’s working from home today.
- I’m not feeling tired anymore.
- Is he reading the instructions carefully?