A1-A2 grammar reference

Present Progressive (Continuous)

Use the present progressive to view an action or situation as in progress around now. The action may be happening at the moment of speaking or during a temporary period.

Form at a glance

Form: subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

When to use it

Actions happening now: Please wait; I am speaking to a customer.
Temporary situations: We are staying with friends this month.
Changing situations: Food prices are rising.
Personal arrangements: I am meeting Ana after work.

Sentence patterns

Form	Pattern	Example
Affirmative	S + am/is/are + V-ing	They are waiting outside.
Negative	S + am/is/are not + V-ing	He is not feeling well.
Question	Am/Is/Are + S + V-ing?	Are you using this chair?
Wh-question	Wh-word + be + S + V-ing?	What are they discussing?

Compare the meaning

Present progressive

Temporary or unfolding: Leo is living in Warsaw this year.

Present simple

Stable or habitual: Leo lives in Warsaw.

Common mistakes

Include a form of be: She is working, not She working.
Use the -ing spelling correctly: make -> making, run -> running, lie -> lying.
Avoid the progressive with most stative meanings: normally I understand, not I am understanding.

Nuance and natural usage

With always, the progressive can express repeated behaviour plus emotion: You are always losing your keys!
Some verbs change meaning: I think you are right expresses an opinion, while I am thinking about the offer describes a mental process.