Present continuous tense

How to form the present continuous tense in English

The present continuous tense is sometimes called the present progressive.

Structure of present continuous
positive	negative	question
I’m (I am) reading a book.	I’m not reading.	Am I reading?
You’re (you are) reading a book.	You’re not reading.	Are you reading?
He’s (he is) reading a book.	He’s not (also he isn’t) reading.	Is he reading?
She’s (she is) reading a book.	She’s not (also she isn’t) reading.	Is she reading?
It’s (it is) raining.	It’s not (also it isn’t) raining.	Is it raining?
We’re (we are) reading a book.	We’re not reading.	Are we reading?
They’re (they are) reading a book.	They’re not reading.	Are they reading?

Present continuous – common mistakes
Common mistakes	Correct version	Why?
They waiting for you.	They are waiting for you.	To form a continuous tense we use be + -ing.
They are waiting for you?	Are they waiting for you?	In questions the subject (they) and the auxiliary verb (be) usually change places.
Do they waiting for you?	Are they waiting for you?	In questions the subject (they) and the auxiliary verb (be) change places.
Where they are waiting for you?	Where are they waiting for you?	In questions the subject (they) and the auxiliary verb (be) change places.
She doesn't watching TV.	She isn't watching TV.	To form the negative we put not after the verb be (am not = 'm not, is not = isn't, are not = aren't).
I'm believing you.	I believe you.	Some verbs are not used in continuous tenses – these are called stative verbs (e.g. believe, come from, cost, depend, exist, feel, hate, like).