The Continuous Tense: Past, Present & Future 

The continuous tense shows an action that is, was, or will be in progress at a certain time. The continuous tense is formed with the verb ‘be’ + -ing form of the main verb. 

The Present continuous can be used to show an action which is happening at the time of speaking. 

I am having dinner at the moment. 

The Past continuous can be used to show an action which was happening in the past. It is important to remember that the Past continuous is usually used to show an action which was happening when another action, which is usually shorter, happened at the same time, stopped the continuous action or started after the continuous action. 

I was having dinner when Sarah called me. 

I was walking along the beach when it started raining. 

The Future continuous is used to show that an action will be happening at a time in the future. 

I will be having dinner at my parents’ house tomorrow. 

Here are some common verbs in the continuous tense: 

Have 

Mark might be a bit late, Mark is having car trouble. (Present continuous) 

I couldn’t control the kids, they were having a tantrum. (Past continuous) 

I will be having a shower, so take the house keys when you go out. (Future continuous) 

Go 

I’m going home in a couple of hours. (Present continuous) 

I looked at the map and realised we were going the wrong way. (Past continuous) 

My sister will be going abroad soon. (Future continuous) 

Run 

He is running late to work. (Present continuous) 

You were running when I saw you yesterday. (Past continuous) 

He will be running tomorrow morning. (Future continuous) 

Watch 

He is watching the neighbours’ dog until they arrive back. (Present continuous) 

They were watching a film when suddenly there was a power cut. (Past continuous) 

I will be watching the new episode as soon as it comes out. (Future continuous) 

Do 

You should call him, he’s not doing well at the moment. (Present continuous) 

I was doing the dishes when you arrived. (Past continuous) 

I will be doing my homework all night. (Future continuous) 

There are some verbs that do not take the continuous tense. These are verbs that explain or describe states rather than actions. 

I like pasta. NOT I am liking pasta. 

I am tired. NOT I am being tired. 

I heard the car crash from my house. NOT I was hearing the car crash from my house.