In this lesson, we will explore the Present Continuous Tense in English. By the end of this lesson, you will understand how to form and use this tense correctly. Let’s get started!
What is the Present Continuous?
The Present Continuous Tense is used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the current moment. It is also used for actions that are ongoing for a period of time.
How to Form the Present Continuous
To form the Present Continuous, we need:
- The verb “to be” (am/is/are)
- Use am with “I.”
- Use is with “he,” “she,” “it,” or singular nouns.
- Use are with “you,” “we,” “they,” or plural nouns.
- The main verb in its -ing form
- Add -ing to the base form of the verb.
- For example: play → playing, read → reading, run → running.
| Subject | Verb “to be” | Main Verb (-ing) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | eating | I am eating breakfast. |
| He/She/It | is | reading | She is reading a book. |
| You/We/They | are | playing | They are playing soccer. |
Spelling Rules for -ing Forms
When forming the -ing form of a verb, follow these rules:
- For most verbs: Simply add -ing.
- Example: walk → walking, talk → talking.
- For verbs ending in “e”: Remove the “e” and add -ing.
- Example: write → writing, make → making.
- For short verbs ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern: Double the final consonant and add -ing.
- Example: run → running, sit → sitting.
- Irregular verbs: Follow the same rules as above.
- Example: swim → swimming, begin → beginning.
Let’s practice some examples:
- Dance → Dancing
- Stop → Stopping
- Have → Having
When to Use the Present Continuous
The Present Continuous is used in the following situations:
- Actions happening right now
- Example: I am studying English at this moment.
- Temporary actions or situations
- Example: She is staying at a hotel this week.
- Future arrangements
- Example: We are meeting at 6 PM tomorrow.
- Changing situations
- Example: The weather is getting colder.
Negative Sentences
To make a negative sentence in the Present Continuous, add not after the verb “to be.”
| Subject | Verb “to be” + not | Main Verb (-ing) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am not | eating | I am not eating lunch now. |
| He/She/It | is not (isn’t) | working | He isn’t working today. |
| You/We/They | are not (aren’t) | playing | They aren’t playing outside. |
Questions in the Present Continuous
To form a question, invert the subject and the verb “to be.”
| Question Word | Verb “to be” | Subject | Main Verb (-ing) | Example Question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where | is | she | going | Where is she going? |
| What | are | they | doing | What are they doing? |
| Are | you | sleeping | Are you sleeping? |
Practice Games
Key Takeaways
- The Present Continuous is formed with verb “to be” + main verb (-ing).
- It is used for actions happening now, temporary situations, future arrangements, and changing situations.
- To make it negative, add not after the verb “to be.”
- To ask questions, invert the subject and the verb “to be.”
Lesson Practice
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