- Grammar
- A2Elementary
- About 20 min
Unit 1: Present Continuous
Learn how to talk about things happening now. We use am, is or are + verb-ing. For example: I am reading a book.
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About this video
Learn how to talk about things happening now. We use am, is or are + verb-ing. For example: I am reading a book.
Transcript
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Form
The present continuous has two parts: am / is / are + verb-ing.
| Subject | be | verb-ing | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | eating | I am eating lunch. |
| He / She / It | is | reading | She is reading a book. |
| You / We / They | are | playing | They are playing football. |
| Type | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | am / is / are + not + verb-ing | He isn't working today. |
| Question | Am / Is / Are + subject + verb-ing? | Are you listening? |
| Short answer | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Is it raining? Yes, it is. |
Tip: In short answers, do not use the -ing verb. Say Yes, I am. Not: Yes, I am listening.
Spelling: verb + -ing
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Most verbs: add -ing | read → reading, play → playing |
| Verb ends in a silent -e: drop the e | make → making, write → writing |
| Verb ends in -ie: change ie to y | lie → lying, die → dying |
| Short verb, one vowel + one consonant: double the last letter | sit → sitting, run → running |
| Verb ends in -y or -w: do not double | play → playing, snow → snowing |
When we use it
1. Actions happening now
- Look! It is raining.
- Be quiet. The baby is sleeping.
2. Things that are true for a short time
- I'm living with my aunt this month.
- She is studying for her exams this week.
3. Future plans
- We're meeting Tom on Saturday.
- I'm flying to Rome tomorrow.
4. Things that are changing
- The weather is getting warmer.
- Your English is getting better.
5. Annoying habits (with always)
- He is always losing his keys!
- You're always talking in class!
Time words
We often use these words with the present continuous:
- now, right now, at the moment
- today, this week, this month
- Look! Listen!
Tip: Some verbs are not usually continuous: like, love, want, know, need, understand. Say I want a drink. Not: I am wanting a drink.
Common mistakes
Wrong: I eating breakfast.
Right: I am eating breakfast.
Do not forget am, is or are.
Wrong: She is writeing a letter.
Right: She is writing a letter.
Drop the silent e before -ing.
Wrong: He is play tennis now.
Right: He is playing tennis now.
The verb needs -ing.
Wrong: Every day I am walking to school.
Right: Every day I walk to school.
For habits (every day), use the present simple.
Practice quiz
Check what you learned. One question at a time, and you see your score at the end.
- 20 questionsMultiple choice
- About 10 minNo time limit
- Pass: 70%14 of 20 correct
Topics
- What it is
- Two parts
- Form of be
- Spelling: silent e
- Spelling: double
- Spelling: ie
- and 12 more
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