What’s happening right now? The present continuous is the tense you need to describe actions in progress at this very moment. It’s the language of “now,” helping you talk about what you, or others, are doing. 🏃♀️
Function & Usage
We use the present continuous to show that an action is happening at or around the time of speaking. It’s an unfinished action.
- Actions Happening Now: For things that are literally in progress as you speak.
Example: I am typing an email. Please be quiet, the baby is sleeping. - Temporary Situations: For actions or situations that are true for a limited time around the present.
Example: She is living with her parents until she finds an apartment. - Future Arrangements: To talk about definite plans in the near future.
Example: We are meeting for lunch tomorrow.
The Structure (Form)
The structure is always the same: a form of the verb ‘to be’ (am, is, are) followed by the main verb with an -ing ending.
| Subject | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am + verb-ing | I am working. |
| He / She / It | is + verb-ing | She is reading. |
| You / We / They | are + verb-ing | They are playing. |
| Negative (-) | ‘to be’ + not + verb-ing | He is not (isn’t) working. |
| Question (?) | ‘to be’ + Subject + verb-ing | Is she reading? |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the verb ‘to be’: You must include ‘am’, ‘is’, or ‘are’. Incorrect: “He working now.” Correct: “He is working now.”
- Forgetting the ‘-ing’: The main verb always needs the ‘-ing’ ending. Incorrect: “They are play outside.” Correct: “They are playing outside.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: (On the phone) What are you doing?
Person B: I’m watching a movie. Can I call you back later?
Person A: You look busy. What’s going on?
Person B: We’re planning my sister’s wedding. It’s a lot of work!
Manager: Why isn’t Tom at his desk?
Colleague: He’s working from home this week. He’ll be back in the office on Monday.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. They soccer in the park. (play)
2. I an email to my boss. (write)
3. She to music. (listen)
4. Please be quiet. The students a test. (take)
5. He TV right now. (not watch)
6. What ___ you doing?
7. Look! It ___.
8. My brother ___ in Paris this month.
9. They aren’t ___ attention.
10. ___ she talking on the phone?
