In this lesson from the free English grammar course from Simply IELTS, you will learn the structure and formula of the present continuous tense and how to use it in the IELTS exam.

What is the formula of the present continuous tense?

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or writing. It can also be used to describe actions that are happening around the present time but may not necessarily be happening at the moment of speaking or writing.

The present continuous tense is formed by combining the present tense of the auxiliary verb “to be” (am, is, are) with the present participle of the main verb (the base form of the verb plus -ing).

Examples of the present continuous tense

Here are some examples of the present continuous tense:

• I am eating breakfast. (I am in the process of eating breakfast at the moment of speaking or writing.)
• He is studying for his exams. (He is in the process of studying for his exams around the present time.)
• She is not working today. (She is not in the process of working at the present time.)
• We are having a meeting at 2 PM. (We are in the process of having a meeting at the specific time of 2 PM.)
• They are not watching TV. (They are not in the process of watching TV at the present time.)

Note that the present continuous tense is used to describe temporary actions or situations. If the action or situation is permanent or long-term, the present simple tense is used instead.

For example:

• I live in New York. (This is a permanent situation, so the present simple tense is used.)
• He works as a doctor. (This is a long-term occupation, so the present simple tense is used.)

How to use present continuous tense in IELTS exam?

In the IELTS exam, you may be asked to use the present continuous tense in the speaking and writing sections.

In the speaking section, you may be asked to describe what you are doing at the moment or what you are going to do in the near future. For example:

• “What are you doing at the moment?”
• “What are your plans for the weekend?”

In these cases, you can use the present continuous tense to describe your current or future activities. For example:

• “I’m preparing for my IELTS exam.”
• “I’m going to visit my family this weekend.”

In the writing section, you may be asked to write an essay or a letter. In these cases, you may need to use the present continuous tense to describe an action that is happening at the moment of writing or around the present time. For example:

• “I am writing to apply for the job.”
• “The company is expanding its operations to new markets.”

It’s important to remember to use the correct form of the auxiliary verb “to be” (am, is, are) and the present participle of the main verb when using the present continuous tense.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.