Present Continuous Tense – Definition, Structure and Examples

Understand what the present continuous tense is with its definition, structure, and present continuous tense examples.

Present Continuous Tense – Definition, Structure, and Examples

For a complete guide to the present continuous tense in English, visit our awesome article Present Continuous: Everything You Need to Know!

Definition

The Present Continuous Tense, also known as the Present Progressive Tense, is used to describe actions that are happening right now, at the moment of speaking, or around the current time period. It can also express future plans or actions that will happen soon. This tense highlights ongoing actions that have not yet been completed.

Structure

The Present Continuous Tense is formed using the following structure:

Subject + am/is/are + verb(-ing)

• Subject: The person or thing performing the action (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
• am/is/are: The appropriate form of the verb “to be” based on the subject.
• Verb(-ing): The base verb with the “-ing” ending added to indicate that the action is ongoing.

Examples:

• I am eating breakfast.
• She is reading a book.
• They are playing soccer.

Examples

Here are 100 example sentences in the Present Continuous Tense:

1. I am watching TV.
2. You are studying for the exam.
3. He is cooking dinner.
4. She is writing a letter.
5. We are listening to music.
6. They are playing in the park.
7. The cat is sleeping on the couch.
8. The children are drawing pictures.
9. The dog is barking loudly.
10. I am reading a novel.
11. You are working on your project.
12. He is exercising at the gym.
13. She is painting a portrait.
14. We are dancing at the party.
15. They are building a sandcastle.
16. The teacher is explaining the lesson.
17. The students are taking notes.
18. I am cleaning my room.
19. You are playing the guitar.
20. He is driving to work.
21. She is learning a new language.
22. We are planning a trip.
23. They are watching a movie.
24. The chef is preparing a meal.
25. The birds are singing in the trees.
26. I am checking my emails.
27. You are calling your friend.
28. He is fixing the car.
29. She is organizing the closet.
30. We are shopping for groceries.
31. They are swimming in the pool.
32. The baby is crying.
33. The doctor is seeing a patient.
34. I am taking a shower.
35. You are brushing your teeth.
36. He is packing his suitcase.
37. She is knitting a scarf.
38. We are visiting the museum.
39. They are riding their bikes.
40. The flowers are blooming.
41. I am sending a message.
42. You are washing the dishes.
43. He is watering the plants.
44. She is baking a cake.
45. We are having dinner.
46. They are playing video games.
47. The sun is setting.
48. The kids are jumping on the trampoline.
49. I am feeding the cat.
50. You are ironing your clothes.
51. He is studying for his test.
52. She is sewing a dress.
53. We are walking in the park.
54. They are having a conversation.
55. The wind is blowing.
56. I am preparing breakfast.
57. You are texting your friend.
58. He is mowing the lawn.
59. She is decorating the room.
60. We are discussing the plan.
61. They are waiting for the bus.
62. The dog is chasing a ball.
63. The birds are flying in the sky.
64. I am putting on my shoes.
65. You are tying your shoelaces.
66. He is combing his hair.
67. She is wearing a new dress.
68. We are packing for the trip.
69. They are playing chess.
70. The clock is ticking.
71. I am drinking coffee.
72. You are reading the newspaper.
73. He is feeding the baby.
74. She is talking on the phone.
75. We are playing cards.
76. They are cleaning the house.
77. The car is making a strange noise.
78. The rain is falling.
79. I am making a sandwich.
80. You are stretching before exercise.
81. He is meditating.
82. She is checking her schedule.
83. We are setting the table.
84. They are watching the news.
85. The cat is chasing a mouse.
86. The sun is shining brightly.
87. I am organizing my desk.
88. You are practicing the piano.
89. He is shaving his beard.
90. She is putting on makeup.
91. We are baking cookies.
92. They are gardening in the backyard.
93. The waves are crashing on the shore.
94. The children are laughing.
95. I am filling out a form.
96. You are eating breakfast.
97. He is taking a nap.
98. She is shopping online.
99. We are planting flowers.
100. They are enjoying the concert.

These present continuous tense examples should help you understand and practice this important verb tense. Remember to focus on the ongoing nature of the actions when using this tense in your conversations and writing.