Present Continuous Worksheets

The present continuous is used to talk about what is happening at the moment, as well as for future scheduled events and takes the following forms:

Present Continuous Positive Form

Subject + to be (am, are, is) + present participle (ing form of verb) + objects

• Peter's working in the garden at the moment.
• We're meeting Tom at five o'clock.

Present Continuous Negative Form

Subject + to be (am, are, is) + not + verb + objects

• Mary isn't watching TV now. She's outside.
• They aren't working at the moment. They're on a break.

Present Continuous Question Form

(Question Word) + to be (am, are, is) + subject + present participle (ing form of verb)?

• What are you doing?
• Where is Tim hiding?

No Present Continuous with Stative Verbs

The present continuous, and continuous forms in general, are used with action verbs such as talk, drive, play, etc. The continuous form is not used with stative verbs such as 'be', 'seem', 'taste', etc. Some stative verbs can be used as action verbs so there are some exceptions. For example: 'smell' - It smells good. (stative verb) / He is smelling the roses. (action verb)

• He seems happy.
• This tastes very sweet.
• It doesn't appear to be difficult.

Time Expressions with Present Continuous for Present Action

Now / At the Moment

'Now' and 'at the moment' refer to the moment of speaking. These two expressions are often used with the present continuous. It's also possible to use the present continuous without these time expressions depending on the context.

• She's taking a shower at the moment.
• We're having dinner now.
• Daren is studying for the test.

Currently / This Week - Month / Today

'Currently', 'this week / month' and 'today' are used to speak about what is happening around the present moment. These forms are often used in work to speak about a project in progress.

• Jason's taking the day off today.
• They're working on the Smith account.
• Are you developing plans for the new project?

Time Expressions with Present Continuous for Future Scheduled Action

Next / On / At

The present continuous is also used for planned events in the future such as meetings. Use future time expressions such as 'next', 'tomorrow', 'at + time', 'on + day', 'in + month' etc.

• We're meeting next Thursday to discuss the issue.
• I'm presenting at two o'clock tomorrow.
• She's having lunch with Peter on Monday.

Present Continuous Worksheet 1

Conjugate the verb in parentheses in the present continuous tense. In the case of questions, use the indicated subject as well.

1. Alexander _____ (study) for his exams at the moment.
2. Where _____ (you meet) Tim next week?
3. She _____ (not play) Golf tomorrow.
4. They _____ (make) dinner now.
5. The company (not finish) the plans this week.
6. She _____ (eat) oysters for lunch right now.
7. David _____ (not fly) to Chicago next week.
8. I _____ (work) on a special report today.
9. We _____ (not cook) dinner this evening because we're eating out.
10. _____ (Tom drive) to work right now?
11. Alice _____ (read) a new book at the moment.
12. They _____ (not prepare) for the science exam at the moment.
13. When _____ (you have) lunch tomorrow?
14. We _____ (joke)!
15. _____ (they give) a party this weekend?
16. Susan _____ (make) the decision at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
17. People _____ (play) tennis golf on a beautiful day like this!
18. What _____ (you do)?!
19. He _____ (bake) a cake at the moment.
20. Which motel _____ (they stay) at now?

Present Continuous Worksheet 2

Choose the correct time expression used with the present continuous tense.

1. They are cooking dinner (on the moment / now).
2. The company is preparing a report for their most important client (last / this) week.
3. My sister is studying for a test (at the moment / in the moment).
4. We're meeting Brian (on / at) three o'clock.
5. (Currently / Current) we're working on the Anderson account.
6. They aren't coming for dinner (this / at) evening.
7. Susan is playing tennis with Tim (now / then).
8. What are you doing (this / next) afternoon?
9. They're enjoying dinner (at / next) the moment.
10. What are you doing (tomorrow / yesterday) afternoon?
11. Henry is making the presentation (at / on) Wednesday.
12. Our teacher is helping us with grammar (that / this) morning.
13. My dog is barking (at the moment / in the moment).
14. We're finishing the business report (today / yesterday).
15. The clock is striking twelve o'clock right (now / soon). It's time to go!
16. Frank is flying to Chicago (this / that) morning.
17. We're reading that book (at the moment / on the moment).
18. Thomas is presenting at the meeting (on / in) April.
19. She's mowing the lawn (now / moment).
20. They're developing a new product (this / last) month.

Present Continuous Worksheet 3

Decide whether the following sentences use present continuous for action at the moment (NOW), action around the current moment in time (AROUND), or for a future scheduled action (FUTURE).

1. We're working on the Smith account this month.
2. Just a moment, I think he's working out in the garden.
3. Jennifer's meeting with Tom later today.
4. I'm looking for a new job currently.
5. We're discussing the issue on Wednesday.
6. Jake's finishing his homework right now.
7. Alan's working with Tom later today.
8. They're making dinner for us tonight.
9. I'm sorry I don't have time. I'm mowing the lawn.
10. She's looking for a new home as she'd like to move soon.

Worksheet 1 - Answers

1. is studying 
2. are you meeting 
3. isn't playing 
4. are making 
5.  isn't finishing 
6. is eating 
7. isn't flying 
8. am working 
9. aren't cooking 
10. Is Tom driving 
11. is reading 
12. aren't preparing
13. are you having 
14. are joking!
15. Are they giving 
16. is making
17.  are playing 
18. are you doing
19. is baking
20. are they staying

Worksheet 2 - Answers

1. now
2. this week
3. at the moment
4. at three o'clock
5. Currently
6. this evening
7. now
8. this afternoon
9. at the moment
10. tomorrow afternoon
11. on Wednesday
12. this morning
13. at the moment
14. today
15. right now
16. this morning
17. at the moment
18. in April
19. now
20. This month

Worksheet 3 - Answers

1. Around the moment
2.  Now
3. Future
4. Around the moment
5. Future
6. Now
7. Future
8. Future / Now
9. Now
10. Around the moment