EduCareer

A2 (Elementary)Writing

Present Continuous: Actions Happening Now

The present continuous (also called present progressive) describes actions happening right now, at this moment. We use it a lot when describing pictures, scenes, and what people are doing. It is formed with be (am/is/are) + verb + -ing.

The present continuous (also called present progressive) describes actions happening right now, at this moment. We use it a lot when describing pictures, scenes, and what people are doing. It is formed with be (am/is/are) + verb + -ing.

1. The structure

Subject be verb + ing
I am writing
He / She / It is reading
You / We / They are studying

Examples: “I am writing a letter.” “They are playing football.”

2. Present simple vs. present continuous

Simple present (habit) Present continuous (now)
Emma studies every day. Emma is studying now.
James plays football on Fridays. James is playing football at the moment.

3. Spelling the -ing form

Rule Example
most verbs: + ing read → reading
ends in -e: drop e, + ing write → writing, make → making
short vowel + consonant: double it run → running, sit → sitting

4. Time words for “now”

Words that signal the present continuous: now, right now, at the moment, today, Look!, Listen!

  • Look! It is raining.
  • Thomas is reading at the moment.
Verbs we don’t usually use in -ingSome verbs describe states, not actions, and are not normally used in the continuous: like, love, want, need, know, understand, have (for possession). Say “I want water,” not “I am wanting water.”

Tutor tipNever drop the be verb. A very common mistake is “She reading now” – English needs “She is reading now.” The formula is always two parts: be + verb-ing. If you write an -ing action about now and there is no am/is/are in front of it, something is missing.

Examples from EduCareer

  • Emma is writing her homework right now.
  • James and Thomas are studying in the library at the moment.
  • Look! It is raining outside.
Common mistakes

She reading now.  →  She is reading now.

They is playing.  →  They are playing.

I am writeing.  →  I am writing. (drop the e)

I am wanting water.  →  I want water.

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.What does the present continuous describe?
It describes actions happening right now.
2.What is the structure?
be (am/is/are) + verb-ing.
3.Choose the correct sentence.
Need "is" + reading.
4.Which be verb goes with "they"?
they are.
5.Spell the -ing form of "write".
Drop the e: writing.
6.Spell the -ing form of "run".
Short vowel + consonant → double: running.
7.Which is correct?
they are playing.
8.Habit or now? "Emma studies every day."
"every day" = habit → simple present.
9.Habit or now? "Emma is studying now."
"now" + is studying = continuous.
10.Which signals the present continuous?
"right now" signals an action in progress.
11.Choose the correct sentence.
am + writing.
12.Which verb is NOT usually used in -ing?
"want" is a state verb: say "I want", not "I am wanting".
13.Spell the -ing form of "sit".
Double the t: sitting.
14.Fix: "He are reading."
he → is reading.
15.Which is correct with "I"?
I am working.
16."Look! It ___ raining."
it → is raining.
17.Which sentence is correct?
Two people = they → are studying.
18.Choose the state-verb sentence that is correct.
"understand" is a state verb: use simple present.
19.Spell the -ing form of "make".
Drop the e: making.
20.Which fully correct sentence describes a scene now?
are + playing + right now.

Want feedback from a real tutor on your reading, writing and speaking?

Book a Free Consultation

Continue practising

B1 (Intermediate)The Paragraph: Supporting SentencesStart lesson →A1 (Beginner)Basic Punctuation: Periods, Commas & ApostrophesStart lesson →A2 (Elementary)Subject-Verb AgreementStart lesson →B2 (Upper-Intermediate)The Essay: Introduction, Body & ConclusionStart lesson →
PreviousWriting About the Present: Habits & RoutinesNext lessonSubject-Verb Agreement