30 examples of present continuous tense

Many students of English are often confused about how to use the present continuous tense. The structure of the sentence is simple enough, but students must really know when to use it. Here are some examples that should help you understand better what this tense is used for.

1. Don’t call him now. He’s sleeping right now. ( When  he is in bed and he does not want to be disturbed.)
2. I’m taking an online class right now. (When you are doing something at the moment of speaking.)
3. She is working at a bank right now. (She changes jobs regularly, so she is currently employed in this field.)
4. Look! There’s my friend across the street! He’s wearing a blue shirt. – He’s wearing a blue shirt right now. (When you’re looking at someone.)
5. I’m not sure whether Anna is studying or watching TV. – Maybe she’s doing both right now. (While two actions are going on simultaneously.)
6. I don’t know why he isn’t answering his phone, but maybe he can’t talk. Maybe his hands are full! – Yes, that must be it because he isn’t picking up the phone now. (It must be something else because there is no way to answer your question.)
7. The plumber isn’t here yet. – He still hasn’t come right now. (He was supposed to come before this moment.)
8. I know what I want to buy. I can’t decide where to go, though. – Maybe he’s still thinking. (not able to make a decision)
9. I’m sorry! I can’t help you right now, but maybe later. (When it is not possible for you to do something.)
10. John isn’t at work yet because his car wouldn’t start this morning. – John doesn’t have a car now. (so he cannot get to work by public transport or taxi.)
11. Are they still in the library? – They are still there now. (not leaving before this moment.)
12. I feel so tired! I need some water. – Look! There is my friend Jenny. She is drinking water right now. (someone you know personally who happens to be near.)
13. I have a test in school tomorrow morning. – I’m so nervous! That’s why I’m studying right now. (to reduce the anxiety by doing some action.)
14. I don’t want you to drive my car. Please, stay where you are! – Okay, I won’t stand up now. (~o does not do something that would require moving from a sit or laying position.)
15. She’s very smart and likes art a lot. So she’s taking an art class right now. (a current activity when someone comes into view nearby.)
16. The teacher isn’t here yet is she?
17. I’m not sure, but maybe he is doing his homework now. (to express a guess about what someone might be doing.)
18. Where are you going? I don’t think that’s a good idea. I have to study for an exam. – Okay then! I just wanted to ask because you’re leaving right now. (~o communicate something before someone leaves or makes a motion to leave.)
19. He did it yesterday and said he was sorry, but she won’t forgive him. He should apologize again right now. (when an action happened in the past and is likely to happen again.)
20. Are they still at school? No, they left already. (not happening anymore.)
21. I can’t find my pen! Have you seen it? – No, but I think he is looking for it right now. (someone who might be in the same room or general location looking for something.)
22. My mom isn’t home yet because she’s still cleaning. – She is still cleaning right now. (something that happens regularly and continues to happen at this moment.)
23. The phone keeps ringing, but nobody is answering. Why doesn’t somebody answer? – Maybe they can’t talk because they’re doing something else right now. (~o communicate a guess about why someone would not answer when there are several possibilities.)
24. He gets nervous when he has to speak in front of the class. That’s why he’s talking to his friend right now. (to reduce anxiety before an upcoming activity.)
25. I have a test tomorrow, so I have to study right now. (~o express a guess about what someone is doing based on past experience.)
26. Hey! Are you going out again tonight? – Yeah, but my mom isn’t letting me stay out late because we need to go grocery shopping tomorrow morning. (a current activity that restricts your freedom in another unrelated matter.)
27. Don’t worry, she lost her key once and had to climb through the window. – She is climbing through the window right now! (she is currently or just did do something that she might need help to undo.)
28. He has so many friends. He must be trying to talk to them right now. (to express a guess about what someone is doing based on their actions in the past or present.)
29. I’m feeling really stressed out lately. Do you have any advice? Maybe you can teach me meditation, right? – I know! I’ll show you how to meditate right now! (~o communicate an immediate action after suggesting another idea.)
30. Did he finish his work yet? No, but maybe he’s going to finish it right now. (~o make a guess about what might happen in the future based on repeated events.)