Speaking: Grammar in Speaking A2 - Lesson 2: Using Present Continuous (Actions Now)

Speaking: Grammar in Speaking A2

Using Present Continuous (Actions Now)

Listen to the examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use the Present Continuous tense to describe actions that are happening right now.

What's Happening Right Now? 🖼️

We use the Present Continuous tense to talk about actions that are happening now, right now, or at the moment. The action is in progress; it is not finished.

For example, in a classroom right now:

• The teacher is talking.
• I am listening to the teacher.
• My friends are studying English.

The structure is always:   Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Building Sentences

Positive Statements (+)

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

• I am working. (I'm working.)
• She is reading. (She's reading.)
• They are playing. (They're playing.)

Negative Statements (-)

Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing

• I am not sleeping. (I'm not sleeping.)
• He is not working. (He isn't working.)
• We are not watching TV. (We aren't watching TV.)

Questions (?)

Am/Is/Are + Subject + verb-ing?

• Are you listening? → Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
• Is she working? → Yes, she is. / No, she isn't.

Pronunciation Tip

🗣️ Pronouncing the "-ing" Sound

The "-ing" ending is a single, nasal sound (/ŋ/) made at the back of your throat. Your tongue should not touch your front teeth like the /n/ sound.

• Incorrect: "work-in" (with an /n/ sound at the end)
• Correct: "working" (/ŋ/ sound)

Listen: | |

Practice making the sound by itself: ng... ng... ng. Then add it to verbs.

Practice Present Continuous 🎯

Activity 1: What Are They Doing? (Self-Check)

Make a full sentence in the Present Continuous for each situation. Click "Show Answer" to check.

1. Look at the man. (He / ride a moto)
   Show Answer

   He is riding a moto. / He's riding a moto.

2. Listen to the girls. (They / sing a song)
   Show Answer

   They are singing a song. / They're singing a song.

3. I can't talk now. (I / eat dinner)
   Show Answer

   I am eating dinner. / I'm eating dinner.

4. She is at the library. (She / not play / she / study)
   Show Answer

   She is not playing. She is studying. / She isn't playing. She's studying.

5. Why are you wearing a coat? (It / not / rain)
   Show Answer

   It is not raining. / It isn't raining.

Activity 2: Mime Game

Work with a partner. One person mimes (acts out) an action, like reading a book or cooking. The other person asks a question: "Are you reading?" or "Are you cooking?" The first person answers, "Yes, I am" or "No, I'm not." Then, switch roles.

Key Vocabulary

• Present Continuous | បច្ចុប្បន្នកាលបន្ត
  A verb tense for actions happening now. (Formula: am/is/are + verb-ing)
• now / right now | ឥឡូវនេះ / ឥឡូវនេះភ្លាម
  At the present time or at this exact moment. Example: "I am busy right now."
• at the moment | នៅពេលនេះ
  A common phrase that means the same as "now". Example: "She is working at the moment."
• verb-ing | កិរិយាសព្ទ + ing
  The form of the verb used in continuous tenses (e.g., walk -> walking).

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to notice what is happening around you.

At three different times during the day, stop and think:

• "What am I doing right now?"
• "What is someone near me doing right now?"
• "What are people outside doing right now?"

Answer in full English sentences using the Present Continuous. For example:

• "Right now, I am sitting in a café."
• "My friend is talking on the phone."
• "People are riding motos."