Grammar: Present Continuous
A2 Lesson 18: Actions Happening Now
When to Use the Present Continuous
We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions that are happening right now. Look for signal words like "now," "right now," "at the moment," or phrases like "Look!" and "Listen!".
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Form the Present Continuous
The structure always needs two parts: the verb 'to be' (am/is/are) and the main verb + ing.
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing | I am studying English. |
| Negative (-) | Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb-ing | He is not (isn't) sleeping. |
| Question (?) | Am/Is/Are + Subject + Verb-ing? | Are they watching a movie? |
-ing Spelling Rules:
- Most verbs: add -ing (go → going, eat → eating)
- Verb ends in -e: remove 'e', add -ing (make → making, drive → driving)
- Short C-V-C verb: double last letter, add -ing (sit → sitting, run → running)
Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Understanding the difference between these two tenses is very important.
Use for habits, facts, and routines (things that are always or usually true).
Example: She speaks English. (It's a fact about her.)
Use for actions happening right now, at this moment.
Example: Be quiet. She is speaking on the phone. (This is happening now.)
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Tense
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentences.
- Look! The children (play / are playing) in the park.
- I (drink / am drinking) coffee every morning.
- Please turn down the music. I (try / am trying) to study.
- My parents (live / are living) in Phnom Penh. (This is a fact)
- What (do you do / are you doing)? I'm a student.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
What is Happening Now?
Imagine you are sitting at a cafe on Pub Street in Siem Reap. Look around (in your imagination!). Write three sentences describing actions that are happening right now. Use the Present Continuous.
Example: A tourist is taking a photo of a temple.
Key Vocabulary
- Tense A form of a verb that shows the time an action happened (e.g., present, past, future).
- Present Continuous The verb tense used for actions happening at the moment of speaking.
- Happening Now Occurring at this exact moment.