Examples of Present Continuous Tense Sentences, Definition and Formulas

Sentences and examples of sentences in the present continuous tense are those that are commonly used, what is meant by the present continuous tense itself is a tense that is used to express an action or deed that is taking place within a certain period of time at the time that is ongoing (current/present). However, the form of the sentence that will be used later indicates that the action was carried out before (begins, before), during (is in progress, at the present), and must have continued afterwards (continues after), or other actions.

If you are aware of and understand the simple present tense, it is certainly not difficult to learn the following sentences and tenses.

Present continuous tense formula

To make Present continuous tense sentences, there are several formulas that must be considered carefully. Especially for the placement of "be + present participle (-ing)" in the main verb.

  • Positive form formula (+)

Subject + be (am / is / are) + verb (-ing) + ….

Examples of Present Continuous Tense Sentences

“she is eating right now”

“They are playing today”

  • Negative form formula (-)

Subject + be (am / is / are) + not + verb (-ing) + ….

For example sentences used:

“she is not eating right now”

“They are not playing today”

  • Interrogative form formula (?)

Be (am / is / are) + subject + verb (-ing) + ….?

Examples of sentences used are?

“Is she eating right now?”

“Are they playing today? ”

Using Present continuous tense

The following are some examples of present continuous tense sentences that are commonly used in present continuous tense sentences, everyday.

  1. To show an ongoing event

It is raining, and I am waiting for my father to pick me up.

It is snowing at the moment.

  1. To show the action taking place at the time of speaking

In this semester Stefan is taking five classes.

Saarah is changing her clothes right now.

  1. Talking about plans that are definitely implemented in the near future

Sarah is spending her holiday in Bali next week.

I'm moving to west Jakarta next week.

Use of adverbs of time

What needs to be considered in this case is that the present continuous tense can not only be used to show ongoing events, but can also be used for the future, which is quite close. That is why, the use of adverbs of time is considered very important. The use of time adverbs that are usually used in present continuous tense sentences include:

  • When the conversation is going on / at the time of speaking

Right now, at the moment, at present, today, etc.

  • At the time around the talk / around the time of speaking

This month, this year, this week, this semester, etc.

Verbs in the present continuous tense

Another thing to know about using the present continuous tense is that there are several verbs that are not used in the sentence in question. The reason is quite clear, because it does not indicate conditions or situations that are not expected to change. The verb in question is better known as a static verb / stative verb. The following are some examples of the verbs in question:

  • Verbs that show emotions and feelings

Love, hate, like, want, appreciate, dislike.

“I prefer chocolate over coffee”

  • Verbs that express opinions, knowledge, and beliefs

Believe, think, understand, recognize, know.

“I believe what he said to me”

  • Verbs denoting the use of the senses

Taste, hear, see, smell

“That cake tastes delicious”

  • Verbs that show possession

Possess, belong, own, own.

“The toy belongs to that boy”

  • Another static verb

Be, seem, need, exist, cost.

“Every plant needs the sun to survive”

Thus a brief review of explanations, formulas, and the use of examples of present continuous tense sentences that should be. Hopefully with the reviews above, it will further help you understand better, and be able to speak English well.