Present continuous Tense

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The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening right now at the moment of speaking. It is formed with the present tense of the verb "to be" (am/are/is) + the base form of the main verb + "-ing".




Here are some examples:

Affirmative
Subject+ to be+ base + ing
Sheistalking.
Negative
Subject+ to be + not+ base + ing
Sheis not (isn't)talking
Interrogative
to be+ subject+ base + ing
Isshetalking?

    Examples: TO GO, present continuous

    
AffirmativeNegativeInterrogative
I am goingI am not goingAm I going?
You are goingYou aren't going.Are you going?
He, she, it is goingHe, she, it isn't goingIs he, she, it going?
We are goingWe aren't goingAre we going?
You are goingYou aren't goingAre you going?
They are goingThey aren't goingAre they going?

The present continuous tense (also known as the present progressive tense) is used in several situations:


1. Actions happening now:

   - I am typing on my computer.

   - She is reading a book.

   - They are talking on the phone.


2. Temporary actions:

   - He is staying with his parents while he looks for a new apartment.

   - We are studying for our exams this week.


3. Future plans or arrangements:

   - I am meeting my friends after work.

   - She is flying to Paris next week.

   - They are having a party on Saturday.


4. Actions that are changing or developing:

   - The weather is getting warmer.

   - Prices are going up.


5. Repetitive or irritating habits (often used with "always" or "constantly"):

   - He is always interrupting me when I speak.

   - She is constantly checking her phone during meetings.


6. Descriptions of trends or changes over time:

   - The company's profits are increasing steadily.

   - Pollution levels are decreasing in the city.


7. Actions that are seen as temporary or in progress in narratives:

   - He is learning to play the guitar.

   - She is writing a novel.

In general, the present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening now, are temporary, or are in progress at the time of speaking. It contrasts with the simple present tense, which is used for habitual actions, general truths, or scheduled events.

Exercise 1 – Complete the sentences

Complete the sentences using the present continuous form of the verbs given in brackets.

1. The cat _____ on the fence. (sit)

2. They ____ a game of chess. (play)

3. The train ____ at the station. (arrive)

4. Mary ____ a cake for the party. (bake)

5. The kids ____ their homework. (do)

6. The sun ____ in the east. (rise)

7. I ____ for my math exam. (study)

8. The gardener ____ the flowers. (water)

9. The dog ____ at the stranger. (bark)

10. The birds ____ in the sky. (fly)


Answers for Exercise 1


1. The cat is sitting on the fence. (sit)

2. They are playing a game of chess. (play)

3. The train is arriving at the station. (arrive)

4. Mary is baking a cake for the party. (bake)

5. The kids are doing their homework. (do)

6. The sun is rising in the east. (rise)

7. I am studying for my math exam. (study)

8. The gardener is watering the flowers. (water)

9. The dog is barking at the stranger. (bark)

10. The birds are flying in the sky. (fly)


Exercise 2 – Convert into present continuous tense

Read the following sentences and convert them into present continuous tense.

1. She writes a letter.

2. The horse runs fast.

3. I eat an apple.

4. The children play in the park.

5. He visits his grandparents.

6. We celebrate the festival.

7. The bird sings a song.

8. She paints a picture.

9. The boy catches a fish.

10. The teacher explains the lesson.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. She is writing a letter.

2. The horse is running fast.

3. I am eating an apple.

4. The children are playing in the park.

5. He is visiting his grandparents.

6. We are celebrating the festival.

7. The bird is singing a song.

8. She is painting a picture.

9. The boy is catching a fish.

10. The teacher is explaining the lesson.