Present Continuous

Exercises

Structure

We form the Present Continuous with be (am/is/are) + verb + -ing.

• I - am

• He / She / It - is

• We / You / They - are

Affirmative

• I am reading a book now.

• She is cooking dinner.

• They are playing football.

Negative

• I’m not watching TV.

• He isn’t listening to music.

• We aren’t studying today.

Questions

• Am I speaking clearly?

• Is she writing an email?

• Are they waiting for the bus?

Question words (Wh- questions):

• What are you doing?

• Where is he going?

• Why are they shouting?

Spelling rules for -ing

• Most verbs: work - working, play → playing

• Verbs ending in -e: make - making, write → writing

• Short vowel + consonant: run - running, swim → swimming

• Verbs ending in -ie: die → dying, lie - lying

When do we use Present Continuous?

Actions happening now

Something is in progress at the moment of speaking.

• He’s playing the guitar right now.

• I’m talking on the phone at the moment.

• They’re walking to school now.

Actions around now (temporary)

Not exactly at this moment, but in this period of time.

• She’s studying for exams these days.

• My brother is looking for a new job.

• I’m reading a very interesting novel this week.

Future plans (near future)

With a future time word (tonight, tomorrow, next week).

• We’re having dinner with friends tonight.

• They’re flying to Paris tomorrow.

• I’m visiting my grandparents next Sunday.

Changing situations

Things that are developing or moving forward.

• The weather is getting colder.

• More people are learning English online.

• This city is growing very quickly.

Annoying habits (with always/constantly)

To show irritation or anger about repeated actions.

• You’re always leaving your shoes in the hall!

• He’s constantly forgetting his homework.

• She’s always talking when I’m trying to read.

Time expressions with Present Continuous

• now

• right now

• at the moment

• currently

• today / this morning / this evening

• these days

• nowadays

Examples:

• I’m working from home today.

• She’s currently learning Spanish.

• They’re having lunch right now.