Present continuous for what is happening now
Build the present continuous with present plus an -ing form: , , . It describes an action happening now or around now.
Compare with . Common spelling changes are take → taking, run → running, lie → lying. A short one-syllable consonant-vowel-consonant verb often doubles its final consonant.
For questions put first: For negation keep with : . Do not add to this pattern.
| Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Describe an action happening now. | ||
| Describe an action happening now. | ||
| Describe Milo’s current action. | ||
| Describe Milo’s current action. | ||
| Ask about the listener’s current activity. | ||
| Ask about the listener’s current activity. | ||
| Negate a current action with be. | ||
| Negate a current action with be. | ||
| Use the correct ing spelling of run. | ||
| Use the correct ing spelling of run. | ||
| Use the simple present for a routine. | ||
| Use the simple present for a routine. | ||
I’m looking for the key now.Describe an action happening now.
Milo is sleeping.Describe Milo’s current action.
Are you working now?Ask about the listener’s current activity.
He isn’t sleeping.Negate a current action with be.
I’m running in the park.Use the correct ing spelling of run.
Jack plays every night.Use the simple present for a routine.
Practice 1/6 · Finding words
Notice the patterns
Tap the form described in this unit.
.
Describe an action happening now.
.
Describe Milo’s current action.
?
Ask about the listener’s current activity.
.
Negate a current action with be.
.
Use the correct ing spelling of run.
.
Use the simple present for a routine.
Practice 2/6 · The right form
Choose the form
Choose the right word for the gap.
I’m for the key now.
Describe an action happening now.
Milo sleeping.
Describe Milo’s current action.
you working now?
Ask about the listener’s current activity.
He sleeping.
Negate a current action with be.
I’m in the park.
Use the correct ing spelling of run.
Jack every night.
Use the simple present for a routine.
Practice 3/6 · Fill the gaps
Complete a short message
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
I’m for the key now.
Describe an action happening now.
Milo sleeping.
Describe Milo’s current action.
you working now?
Ask about the listener’s current activity.
He sleeping.
Negate a current action with be.
I’m in the park.
Use the correct ing spelling of run.
Jack every night.
Use the simple present for a routine.
Practice 4/6 · Building sentences
Build useful sentences
Put the words in order.
Describe an action happening now.
Describe Milo’s current action.
Ask about the listener’s current activity.
Negate a current action with be.
Use the correct ing spelling of run.
Use the simple present for a routine.
Practice 5/6 · In situations
What would you say?
Choose the right words for the situation.
Describe an action happening now.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe an action happening now.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe Milo’s current action.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Describe Milo’s current action.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Ask about the listener’s current activity.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Ask about the listener’s current activity.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Negate a current action with be.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Negate a current action with be.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Practice 6/6 · Matching
Connect messages and meanings
Match the pairs.
Unit complete
