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CEFR A1Recommended grades: 4–6

Present Continuous

01 · Quick explanation

We use Present Continuous for actions happening now or around now.

02 · Full explanation

Form it with am / is / are + verb-ing. Spelling: most verbs add -ing (read → reading); a final -e is dropped (write → writing); a short verb ending in one vowel + one consonant doubles it (sit → sitting, run → running). It is also used for temporary situations and fixed future plans (I'm meeting Aru tomorrow). State verbs such as know, like, want, understand are usually not used in the continuous form.

Action right nowTemporary situationArranged future plansChanging situations

03 · Formula

+Subject + am / is / are + V-ing
−Subject + am / is / are + not + V-ing
?Am / Is / Are + subject + V-ing?

04 · Affirmative

+ Subject + am / is / are + V-ing

  • I am reading a book.
  • They are playing outside.

05 · Negative

− Subject + am / is / are + not + V-ing

  • She isn't sleeping.
  • We aren't watching TV.

06 · Question

? Am / Is / Are + subject + V-ing?

  • Are you listening?
  • What is he doing?

07 · Examples

  • ENLook! It is raining.

    KZҚараңдаршы! Жаңбыр жауып тұр.

    RUСмотри! Идёт дождь.

  • ENI am doing my homework now.

    KZМен қазір үй тапсырмасын орындап жатырмын.

    RUЯ сейчас делаю домашнее задание.

  • ENMy brother is living in Almaty this year.

    KZАғам биыл Алматыда тұрып жатыр.

    RUМой брат в этом году живёт в Алматы.

  • ENWe are flying to Turkey on Friday.

    KZБіз жұма күні Түркияға ұшамыз.

    RUВ пятницу мы летим в Турцию.

  • ENWhy are you laughing?

    KZНеге күліп тұрсың?

    RUПочему ты смеёшься?

  • ENThe children are playing in the yard.

    KZБалалар аулада ойнап жүр.

    RUДети играют во дворе.

  • ENShe isn't wearing a coat today.

    KZОл бүгін пальто кимеген.

    RUСегодня она без пальто.

  • ENWhat are you reading at the moment?

    KZҚазір не оқып отырсың?

    RUЧто ты сейчас читаешь?

  • ENMy father is working from home this week.

    KZӘкем осы аптада үйден жұмыс істеп жатыр.

    RUНа этой неделе папа работает из дома.

  • ENThe weather is getting colder.

    KZАуа райы суытып барады.

    RUПогода становится холоднее.

  • ENAre they coming to the party tonight?

    KZОлар бүгін кешкі отырысқа келе ме?

    RUОни придут сегодня вечером на праздник?

08 · Signal words

nowright nowat the momenttodaythis weekLook!Listen!currently

09 · Common mistakes

  • ✗ She reading now.

    ✓ She is reading now.

    Do not forget am / is / are.

  • ✗ I am knowing the answer.

    ✓ I know the answer.

    Know is a state verb → Present Simple.

  • ✗ He is swiming.

    ✓ He is swimming.

    Short vowel + consonant: double it (swim → swimming).

10 · Compare with similar grammar

Present Continuous vs Present Simple

Continuous = now or temporary. Simple = always, usually, facts.

He is cooking dinner now.

He cooks dinner every day.

I'm wearing a coat today.

I usually wear a jacket.

11 · Interactive exercises

Answer each task and press Check. Type answers in English.

0 / 10 · 0 checked

  1. 1. Choose the correct answer:

    Listen! The baby ___.

  2. 2. Choose the correct answer:

    I ___ a letter at the moment.

  3. 3. Fill in the gap:

    They ___ (play) chess now.

  4. 4. Fill in the gap:

    She ___ (run) in the park right now.

  5. 5. Fill in the gap:

    We ___ (not / watch) TV at the moment.

  6. 6. Choose the correct answer:

    ___ he sleeping?

  7. 7. Choose the correct answer:

    I ___ what you mean.

  8. 8. Fill in the gap:

    Look! The bus ___ (come).

  9. 9. Correct the sentence:

    My sister is siting next to me.

  10. 10. Correct the sentence:

    What you are doing?

12 · Mini test

Question 1 / 5

Which sentence is correct?

13 · Practice

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