10 Examples of present continuous tense

Here are 10 examples (and more!) of the present continuous tense, used to describe actions happening right now or around the present time. If you want to know more about the use of Present Continuous, click here.

Examples of present continuous tense –

Describe actions that are currently happening at the moment of speaking or actions that are ongoing

1. She is reading a book in the living room.
   • This sentence describes an action (reading) that the subject (she) is currently engaged in.
2. They are playing soccer in the park.
   • This indicates that the action of playing soccer is happening right now.
3. I am working on a new project at work.
   • This sentence communicates that the action of working on a project is ongoing.
4. We are planning our vacation for next summer.
   • Here, the sentence is about the action of planning, which is in progress.
5. He is learning how to play the guitar.
   • The action of learning is currently happening.
6. The children are watching television in the den.
   • This describes the action of watching television that is taking place at the moment.
7. You are making a lot of noise with your tools.
   • In this case, the action of making noise is ongoing.
8. The chef is preparing a special dish for the event.
   • The sentence describes the chef’s current action of preparing a dish.
9. It is raining outside right now.
   • This indicates that the action of raining is happening at the present moment.
10. My friends are discussing their plans for the weekend.
    • This sentence communicates that the action of discussing is currently underway.

Examples of present continuous tense

Describing past actions that continue up to the present

1. I’ve been living here for 4 years.
   • This indicates that the action of living in a specific place started 4 years ago and is still ongoing.
2. She has been working at that company since 2018.
   • The action of working at the company started in 2018 and continues up to now.
3. We’ve been studying French for three semesters.
   • This sentence shows that the action of studying French began three semesters ago and is still in progress.
4. He has been teaching at the university for over a decade.
   • Indicates that the action of teaching started more than ten years ago and continues to the present.
5. They’ve been renovating their house since last June.
   • The renovation started last June and is still not finished.
6. I’ve been reading this book for two weeks.
   • Shows that the action of reading the book began two weeks ago and is still ongoing.
7. You’ve been playing the piano beautifully since you were a child.
   • Indicates that the action of playing the piano started in childhood and continues to today.
8. The tree has been growing in our backyard for years.
   • This sentence describes the continuous growth of the tree that started years ago and is still happening.
9. We’ve been trying to contact you since yesterday.
   • Shows that the attempt to contact started yesterday and is still ongoing.
10. She has been writing her novel for several months now.
    • Indicates that the action of writing the novel started several months ago and is still in progress.

More Present continuous examples here:

1. She is reading a book about ancient civilizations.
2. They are playing soccer in the park.
3. I am writing an email to my friend.
4. We are learning about the present continuous tense.
5. He is watching a movie on Netflix.
6. The kids are eating lunch in the cafeteria.
7. You are listening to your favorite podcast, aren’t you?
8. The dog is barking at the mail carrier.
9. It is raining heavily outside right now.
10. My neighbors are moving to a new house this weekend
11. I am reading a fascinating novel right now.
12. She is talking on the phone with her mother.
13. They are playing basketball in the park.
14. We are studying for our final exams this week.
15. He is working on a new project at the office.
16. The children are watching cartoons on TV.
17. I am learning how to play the guitar these days.
18. You are always forgetting your keys at home!
19. The dog is barking loudly at the neighbors.
20. It is raining heavily outside, so bring an umbrella.