In this English lesson we’ll take a look at how we use the present continuous tense when talking about things that we are doing now.
What Are You Doing?
The present continuous tense is written with the present tense of the auxiliary verb be (am/is/are) and with the –ing (present participle) form of the main verb.
We can use the present continuous tense to talk about something that is happening right now.
- I am reading.
We can also use this tense to talk about something that is not happening now.
- I am not studying.
Let’s take a look at some photos and talk about what is happening.
In the first photo:
- The man is listening to music.
- A man is reading a magazine.
- The man is laughing at something.
- The man is not dancing.
In the second photo:
- The women are brushing their teeth.
- The women are smiling.
- The lady in black is not cleaning her teeth.
- The lady is watching them.
Try It Yourself
Look at these photos below and tell us what you think is happening. If you are not sure – guess!
Feeling brave? Say your sentences out loud, or write them down and check them with a friend or teacher!
Don’t forget to use the present continuous tense!
Photo 1 and 2
Photo 3,4 and 5
Photo 6,7 and 8
Finally use the present continuous tense to tell us 3 things that you are doing – and 3 things that you are not doing – right now!
More Tense Lessons
- All 9 English Tenses – The Complete Guide
- Present Simple Tense – Daily Routine
- Present Perfect Tense – Have You Ever…?
- Past Simple Tense – What Did You Do?
- Past Continuous Tense – What Were You Doing When…?
- Past Perfect Tense – What Had Happened?
- Future Simple Tense – What Will You Do?
- Future Continuous Tense – What Will You Be Doing…?
- Future Perfect Tense – What Will You Have Done?
Frequently Asked Questions
Use am/is/are plus the -ing form of the verb: “I am reading.”
For actions happening right now, or around now.
Test Yourself
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