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PRESENT CONTINUOUS


  • Understand how to use the present continuous tense correctly.
  • Recognize the importance of the present continuous in describing actions happening now or around the present time.

  • Present Continuous for Actions Happening Now:
    • Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing (e.g., “I am studying right now.”)
    • Example: She is reading a book.
  • Present Continuous for Future Plans:
    • Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing (e.g., “We are meeting them tomorrow.”)
    • Example: They are going to the cinema tonight.
  • Present Continuous for Temporary Actions:
    • Plans or arrangements that are already decided and scheduled.
    • Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing (e.g., “He is working in Madrid this week.”)
    • Example: I am staying at my friend’s house for a few days.

Practical Examples:

  • “I am eating lunch right now.” (action happening now)
  • “She is visiting her grandmother tomorrow.” (future plan)
  • “They are living in London for the summer.” (temporary action)

Specific forms of this verb tense:

  • Negative Form:
    • Structure: Subject + am/is/are + not + verb + -ing (e.g., “I am not working today.”)
    • Example: He is not watching TV right now.
  • Interrogative Form:
    • Structure: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb + -ing? (e.g., “Are you coming to the party?”)
    • Example: Is she playing the piano?

Practical Examples:

  • “They are not sleeping now.” (negative)
  • “Are you studying for the exam?” (interrogative)

Practice

What are they doing?


Next, you will find a presentation with the main points regarding the Present Continuous.


  • Continuous Action Charades: Students take turns acting out actions while the rest of the class guesses what they are doing using the present continuous (e.g., “You are dancing!”).

  • What’s Happening Now?: Students describe what is happening in a series of pictures using the present continuous. Points are awarded for correct and creative descriptions.

  • Future Plan Puzzle: Students are given pieces of sentences describing future plans. They must correctly assemble the sentences using the present continuous.