Tenses: Present Continuous: Actions happening now, temporary situations

Present Continuous: Capturing the Now

The Present Continuous tense is like a snapshot of what’s happening in the moment. It shows us actions that are ongoing or situations that are temporary.

How to Form the Present Continuous

It’s a simple two-step process:

1. Use the correct form of the helping verb “be” (am, is, are).
2. Add “-ing” to the main verb.

Examples:

• I am eating breakfast.
• You are reading a book.
• He is playing soccer.
• She is studying English.
• It is raining outside.
• We are watching a movie.
• They are talking on the phone.

When to Use the Present Continuous

1. Actions Happening Now:

   • Example: I am drinking coffee right now.

2. Temporary Situations:

   • Example: She is living with her parents while she looks for an apartment.

3. Actions Happening Around Now (Not Necessarily at This Exact Second):

   • Example: I am learning to play the guitar.

4. Annoying Habits (with “always”):

   • Example: He is always complaining!

5. Future Plans:

   • Example: We are going to the beach tomorrow.

Keywords to Look Out For:

• now
• right now
• at the moment
• these days
• Look! Listen!

Let’s Practice!

1. Complete the Sentence: Fill in the blanks with the present continuous form of the verb.

   • The baby _____. (cry)
   • I _____ to work right now. (walk)
   • They _____ a new house. (build)

2. What’s Happening Now? Describe what people are doing in the following pictures:

   • (Picture of a person cooking)
   • (Picture of children playing)
   • (Picture of someone reading)

Challenge:

Write a short paragraph about what you are doing right now. Use the present continuous tense!