Present Continuous Tense Structure/Formula

Introduction

In this chapter, we will take a look at the general structure or formula of the Present Continuous Tense with lots of examples. We will cover the structure or formula for all the Present Continuous Tense sentence types, such as Positive, Negative, Interrogative, and Interrogative Positive sentence types.

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening or ongoing. It is also used to indicate future plans or actions that are expected to happen soon. This tense helps to convey actions in progress at the moment of speaking.

General Structure/Formula of Present Continuous Tense

[Subject] + [am/is/are] + [Verb + ing] + [Object]

Examples

Types of Sentences

1. Positive Sentences

Positive sentences state an action that is currently happening.

Structure:

• Subject + am/is/are + verb + ing + Object

Examples:

2. Negative Sentences

Negative sentences state that something is not happening right now.

Structure:

• Subject + am/is/are + not + verb + ing + Object

Examples:

3. Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences ask questions about actions happening right now.

Structure:

• Am/Is/Are + Subject + verb + ing + Object?

Examples:

4. Interrogative Negative Sentences

Interrogative negative sentences ask negative questions about actions happening right now.

Structure:

• Am/Is/Are + Subject + not + verb + ing + Object?

Examples:

Real-Life Examples

Affirmative Sentences:

• “She is studying for her exams.”
• “They are visiting their grandparents.”
• “The kids are playing in the park.”

Negative Sentences:

• “He is not watching TV.”
• “I am not eating breakfast.”
• “They are not working today.”

Interrogative Sentences:

• “Are you going to the party?”
• “Is she reading that book?”
• “Are they coming to the meeting?”

Interrogative Negative Sentences:

• “Are you not feeling well?”
• “Is she not attending the class?”
• “Are they not participating in the event?”

Summary Table for Types of Sentences

Here is a summary table to help understand the different types of sentences in the present continuous tense:

Understanding and practicing these structures will help you effectively use the present continuous tense to communicate actions that are currently happening or ongoing.