Present continuous: how to talk about now
Short answer: Use the present continuous for something that is happening now, at this moment. Make it with am, is or are plus the -ing form of the verb: I am drawing, she is reading, they are playing. Do not leave out am, is or are, and do not use the plain verb after them.
▶ Open the rule card · ✏️ Practice this rule
At a glance
| Subject | Be | Verb + -ing | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | drawing | I am drawing. |
| he, she, it | is | reading | She is reading. |
| we, you, they | are | playing | We are playing. |
In short
- Use am, is or are + an -ing action word for now.
- Drop a silent e (making) or double the last letter (running).
- Do not leave out am, is or are.
What is the rule for “Present continuous: happening now”?
The rule
Use am, is or are and an -ing action word for something that is happening now.
How it looks
I am + -ing · he / she / it is + -ing · we / you / they are + -ing
What it means
It is happening at this moment.
When to use it
Say what is happening now.
How it works
- Ask: is it happening right now? If yes, use the present continuous.
- Choose am, is or are for the subject, then add the verb with -ing.
- Spelling: drop a silent e (make → making); double the last letter of a short verb (run → running).
- Words that often go with it: now, at the moment, today, look!
Examples of “Present continuous: happening now”
- I am drawing.
I + am + -ing. - She is reading.
she + is + -ing. - We are playing.
we + are + -ing. - The bird is flying.
one bird + is + -ing. - Look! It is raining.
Look! points to the moment now. - They are eating lunch.
eat + ing; are goes with they. - I am not sleeping.
Negative: am not + -ing. - Is he coming?
Question: Is + subject + -ing.
Common mistakes with “Present continuous: happening now”
She eating an apple.→ She is eating an apple.
Do not leave out is.She is eat an apple.→ She is eating an apple.
After is we need -ing.swiming→ swimming
swim doubles the m: swimming.He playing outside.→ He is playing outside.
Do not leave out is.They are runing.→ They are running.
run doubles the n: running.
Exceptions: watch out
- make → making
Drop the silent e: make → making, ride → riding. - run → running
Short words with one vowel and one last letter: double the last letter: run → running, swim → swimming.
Present continuous or present simple?
The present continuous is for now. The present simple is for habits and facts.
| Idea | Present continuous | Present simple |
|---|---|---|
| now | I am eating. | — |
| habit | — | I eat at seven. |
| temporary | She is staying with us. | — |
See also: Every day or right now?
Check yourself
- Fill the gap: “She ___ a book now.” (read)
Show the answer
is reading is + the -ing verb.
- Spell: “make” + ing
Show the answer
making Drop the silent e.
- Spell: “swim” + ing
Show the answer
swimming Double the last letter in a short verb.
How to practice “Present continuous: happening now”
The interactive version adds step-by-step help, spoken instructions and a quick check. One rule card, one sound lesson and the first lesson of every stone are free to try; the rest is part of Full Access. See Full Access.
- Practice lesson: Present continuous: happening now
Questions
Can I use the present continuous for the future?
Yes, for fixed plans: I am meeting Tom tomorrow. For now, focus on actions happening at this moment.
Which verbs do not take -ing?
Verbs of state, such as know, like, want and have (for owning): I know the answer, not I am knowing.
What is the short form?
I’m, he’s, she’s, we’re, they’re: She’s reading.
More Sentence Building rules
- Subject + Verb: A sentence needs someone or something (the subject) and a verb: Birds fly.
- Verbs can have an object: Some verbs can have an object: the person or thing that gets the action.
- Present simple: I, you, we, they: For things we do again and again, and for likes, use the plain action word with I, you, we and they.
- Present simple: he, she, it + -s: With he, she, it or one name, the action word usually adds -s.
- Negatives: not with be and can: To say no with am, is, are or can, add not: I am not, she isn't, they aren't, it can't.
- Negatives: don't and doesn't: To say no with an action word, use don't or doesn't and then the plain action word.
Part of the 📘 Grammar tool. Level G2: Sentence Building. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30
← Wh- questions: what, where, who, how Where is it? Prepositions of place →