Present Continuous
Explanation
When to use present continuous
We use the present continuous to talk about things that are happening right now.
John is running at the beach.
This sentence uses the present continuous. It means that right now, John is running. We also use present continuous to talk about things that are temporary.
I am living in Brazil.
This sentence uses the present continuous. It means that John is living in Brazil right now, but in the future this will change and he will probably live in another country.
How to make present continuous
Affirmative sentences
To make a sentence in the present continuous, we use:
subject + the present simple of be + verb-ing
Remember that we often shorten the be verb.
I am trying.
I‘m trying.
They are running.
They‘re running.
He is listening to music.
He‘s listening to music.
You are doing a good job.
You‘re doing a good job.
Negatives
To make a negative present continuous sentence, put not after be and before the verb-ing.
I am not trying.
They‘re not working.
Questions
To make a closed (yes/no) question in the present continuous, put be before the subject and verb-ing after the subject.
present simple of be + subject + verb-ing
Are you watching TV?
Is he coming?
Am I speaking slowly enough?
To make an open (wh-) questions, put the question word at the front of a closed question.
Why are you watching TV?
When is he coming?