THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE: AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE STATEMENTS

SUBJECT PRONOUN	BE	(NOT)	VERB + -ING	CONTRACTIONS
I	am	(not)	working.	I'm / I'm not
You	are	(not)	studying	You're / You aren'/t
He / She / It	is	(not)	drinking.	He's / He isn't
We / They	are	(not)	eating.	They're / They aren't

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE: YES / NO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

BE	SUBJECT	VERB + -ING	SHORT ANSWERS
Are	you	studying?	Yes, I am / No, I'm not. I'm texting.
Is	he	drinking?	Yes, he is. / No, he isn't. He's eating.
Are	you	talking?	Yes, we are. / No, we aren't. We're listening.
Are	they	walking?	Yes, they are. / No, they're not. They're running.

SPELLING RULES FOR VERB + -ING

In most cases, add "ing" to the base form of the verb:	Work → Working
If the verb ends in an "e", drop the "e" and add "ing":	Exercise → Exercising
If the verb has one syllable and ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant, "double the final consonant" and add "ing":	Sit → Sitting	This does not apply if the verb ends in "w", "x" or "y": Row → Rowing

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening at the moment of speaking or actions that are ongoing. It is also used for future plans or arrangements. The present continuous tense is formed using the verb "to be" (am, is, are) followed by the base form of the main verb with an "-ing" ending.

Useful Expressions

1. I am + verb-ing - Used with the subject pronoun "I".

   • Example: I am reading a book.

2. You are + verb-ing - Used with the subject pronoun "you" (singular or plural).

   • Example: You are watching TV.

3. He/She/It is + verb-ing - Used with the subject pronouns "he", "she" and "it".

   • Example: He is playing football. / She is cooking dinner. / It is raining.

4. We are + verb-ing - Used with the subject pronoun "we".

   • Example: We are studying for the exam.

5. They are + verb-ing - Used with the subject pronoun "they".

   • Example: They are traveling to Paris.

Sentences

1. I am writing an email.
2. You are listening to music.
3. He is driving to work.
4. She is painting a picture.
5. It is snowing outside.
6. We are planning a party.
7. They are having dinner at a restaurant.

Questions and Answers

Q: How do you ask about what someone is doing?
A: Use "What are you doing?" For example, "What are you doing right now?"

Q: How do you form a question with "he" using the present continuous?
A: Use "Is he" followed by the verb-ing. For example, "Is he watching TV?"

Q: How do you ask about an action that is currently happening?
A: Use "Are you" followed by the verb-ing. For example, "Are you studying?"

Q: What is a common response to "Are they coming to the party?"
A: "Yes, they are coming." or "No, they are not coming".

Q: How do you respond to "What is she doing?"
A: "She is reading a book".

Conversation

A: Hi Mark! What are you doing today?

B: Hi! I am working on a new project. What about you?

A: I am just relaxing at home. Are you working from the office or from home?

B: I am working from home today. Is Sarah helping you with your project?

A: No, she is not. She is attending a meeting right now.

B: I see. Are you planning to go out later?

A: Yes, I am. I am meeting some friends for dinner. Are you coming with us?

B: I would love to, but I am too busy with this project.

A: No problem. Maybe next time!

B: Definitely. Enjoy your dinner!