📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Beginner (A1), week 9
We use the present continuous for actions happening now, around now, and for future plans. Form: am / is / are + verb + -ing.
The rules
Form
| Subject | be | verb + -ing | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am ('m) | working | I'm working from home today. |
| he / she / it | is ('s) | raining | It's raining. |
| you / we / they | are ('re) | waiting | They're waiting outside. |
Spelling -ing
| Rule | Examples |
|---|---|
| most verbs: + ing | work → working, eat → eating |
| -e: remove e | make → making, come → coming |
| short verb, consonant-vowel-consonant: double | sit → sitting, run → running |
Remember
- Now: Sorry, I can't talk, I'm driving.
- Plans: I'm seeing the doctor on Friday.
- Negative: I'm not working today. Question: Are you coming?
- Some verbs aren't usually used in -ing form: like, love, want, know, need. Say 'I want a coffee' (not 'I'm wanting').
Listen and repeat
- What are you doing? I'm cooking dinner.
- The kids are playing in the park.
- I'm starting a new job on Monday.
- Is it raining outside?
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I'm working now. | Don't forget am/is/are. | |
| I want a coffee. | 'want' isn't used in -ing form. | |
| She is sitting. | sit → sitting (double t). |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use Present continuous in English?
We use the present continuous for actions happening now, around now, and for future plans. Form: am / is / are + verb + -ing. Now: Sorry, I can't talk, I'm driving.
What are common mistakes with Present continuous?
Say 'I'm working now.', not 'I working now.' (Don't forget am/is/are). Say 'I want a coffee.', not 'I'm wanting a coffee.' ('want' isn't used in -ing form). Say 'She is sitting.', not 'She is siting.' (sit → sitting (double t)).
What level is this Present continuous lesson?
It's a Beginner (A1) lesson, week 9 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.