Present Continuous
Actions happening right now: “She is working.”
Practice Present Continuous freeThe lesson
When do we use it?
- Actions happening now: I am reading a book.
- Temporary situations: He is staying with his uncle this week.
- Changing situations: The weather is getting colder.
- Fixed plans in the near future: We are meeting Sam tomorrow.
How do we form it?
am / is / are + verb-ing
| Subject | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | I am working | I am not working | Am I working? |
| he / she / it | She is working | She isn't working | Is she working? |
| you / we / they | They are working | They aren't working | Are they working? |
Spelling of -ing
- Most verbs: add -ing → working
- Ending in silent -e: drop the e → making
- Short verb with consonant-vowel-consonant: double the last letter → running, sitting
Stative verbs
Some verbs are not used in the continuous: know, like, love, want, need, understand. Say “I know the answer”, not “I am knowing”.
Time words
now, right now, at the moment, today, this week, currently, look!, listen!
Common Present Continuous mistakes
She working now.
She is working now.
The continuous needs am / is / are before the -ing verb.
They is playing outside.
They are playing outside.
Use are with you, we and they.
I am know the answer.
I know the answer.
Stative verbs like know are not used in the continuous.
He is runing fast.
He is running fast.
Double the last letter of short consonant-vowel-consonant verbs.
She is makeing tea.
She is making tea.
Drop the silent -e before adding -ing.
Practice questions like these
Pick the right form. In the app you get instant checking, hints and your score.
1. your brother studying for the exam this week?
- Do
- Is
- Are
- Does
2.The baby right now; she is awake and smiling.
- aren't sleeping
- isn't sleeping
- doesn't sleep
- not sleeping
3.Listen! Someone at the door.
- knocks
- knock
- is knocking
- are knocking