3. What is the present continuous?
We use the present continuous when we want say something about:
Things we are doing right now;
Things that are happening right now
4. The rule
Again: we use the present continuous to talk about things we are doing right now and
things that are happening right now.
Quick check:
I went to the supermarket yesterday. Do I use the present continuous to tell you?
Yes/No?
The answer = No
5. The form
The form of the present continuous is made up of:
A.(a form of the irregular verb) to be + B.verb + C.ing (suffix)
Example: She is baking cupcakes in the kitchen.
A.The verb to be can have 3 forms: am/is/are
How do you know which one? That’s easy!
I am
You are
He/she/it is Mr. Smith, the teacher, the dog
We are Sally and I, you and I, our teams
You are You and your brother
They are The students, the teachers, Mike and Sally
6. The form
B. + C.
The verb + ing (suffix)
Examples: working
playing
makeing making
tasteing tasting
learning
7. All together
My cousin and I are trying to figure out how this device works, while Susan is looking for the
manual.
Why are you disturbing me when you know I am studying for my exams?
I am looking at the watch right now and wondering if she would like it.
8. Negative sentences
We can use the present continuous to say something about what we are NOT doing right now, or
something that is NOT happening right now.
How? Just add not to the formula (between A. and B.):
Examples: I am not working at the moment.
John and Sally are not playing outside right now.
He is not staying at his old address.
