Present Continuous
Actions happening right now
Overview
In this grammar section we will have a look at the Present Continuous to talk about actions happening right now.
The video gives an overview of the Present Continuous for actions happening right now.
- It shows the form: how to construct the present continuous positive, negative and question form.
- It shows the meaning/usage: when and why to use the present continuous.
- It shows the pronunciation of the present continuous: How you would pronounce different parts of the present continuous.
Examples
A: Are you listening to music?
B: No, I’m not listening to music, I’m watching TV.
Usage/ Meaning
How and when do we use the Present Continuous?
Present Continuous is used to talk about an action that is happening right now.
I am talking to you, you are listening, you are watching this video. Outside the birds are singing and the sun is shining.
This is all happening right now = action(s) that is/are happening right now
Form
How do we make, form, construct the Present Continuous?
Positive
Examples
- I am working.
- She is playing computer games.
Positive:
- I am working
- You are working
- he/she it is working
- You are working
- They are working
- We are working
I/You/ She/ He / It /They/We Subject + am/is/are infinitive (without to) + ing
Positive contractions:
- I‘m working
- You‘re working
- he/she it‘s working
- You‘re working
- They‘re working
- We‘re working
I/You/ She/ He / It /They/We Subject + ‘m/’s/’re infinitive (without to) + ing
Exceptions
- verbs with vowel + consonant ending : consonant doubles
- to stop: I ‘m stopping
- to travel: she’s travelling
- to plan: we are planning
Exceptions
- to fix: She is fixing ending in x
- to bow: they are bowing ending in w
- to develop: we are developing no stress stress on the last syllable
- to Picnic: you picnicking ending in c +king
- to fix: She is fixing ending in x
Practice
Negative
Examples
- I am not working
- We are not playing computer games
- She isn’t reading books
- He is not speaking English
Pronoun | Short form | Long form |
I | ‘m not working | am not working |
you | aren’t working | are not working |
she/it/he | isn’t working | are not working |
you | aren’t working | are not working |
they | aren’t working | are not working |
we | aren’t working | are not working |
I/you/she/it/he/they/we am not/ is not/ are not + gerund (verb-ing): are not working
I/you/she/it/he/they/we ‘m not/ isn’t/ aren’t + gerund (verb-ing): aren’t working
Practice
Question
Examples
- Are you working?
| To be | Pronoun | Gerund |
Am | I | working |
Are | you | working |
Is | she/it/he | working |
Are | you | working |
Are | they | working |
Are | we | working |
Am/Is/Are + I/you/he/it/she/they/we + gerund (verb-ing): Are you working?
Practice
Short answer
- Yes, I am.
- Yes, you are.
- Yes, she is.
- Subject + am/ is/are.
- No, I‘m not.
- No, you aren’t.
- No, it isn’t.
- Subject + am not/ isn’t/ aren’t
Pronunciation
How do we pronounce different parts of the present continuous?
Normally when speaking and using the Present Continuous you contract the verb to be.
I’m cooking
He’s eating /z/
She’s dancing /z/
It’s working /s/
You’re studying
We’re eating
They’re driving
Time words
Which time words/expressions can you use with the Present Continuous?
Present Continuous uses time words
At the moment I’m listening to music. I’m listening to music at the moment.
Right now I am watching a movie. I’m watching a movie right now.
Now I’m cooking. I’m cooking now.
You can put them at the beginning or the end of your sentence.
Questions
Have a look at the questions and write your answers in the comments below. Also give us some more details about when, where, why,….
- What are you doing right now?
- What are you thinking about?
- What is happening in your room right now?
- What is happening in your house right now?
- What is happening outside?
- What are the people outside doing?
- Who are you talking with?
- Are you watching something right now?
- What is the weather right now?
- What do you think your friend is doing right now?
Spread the word
Kristof Abrath
Teacher, Trainer, Course Designer
Teaching in English on 4 different continents since 2006.