The Present Continuous Tense
Describe what is happening right now with be + verb-ing, including -ing spelling and present simple vs continuous. Beginner grammar with 20 questions.
The present continuous describes what is happening right now, at this moment. While you read this, Aisha is studying, Omar is working, and Yusuf is playing. The action is in progress — it started and has not finished yet.
How to make it: be + verb-ing
The present continuous has two parts: the verb to be (am/is/are) + the main verb with -ing.
| Subject | be + verb-ing | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am + -ing | I am studying now. |
| he / she / it | is + -ing | Aisha is reading a book. |
| you / we / they | are + -ing | They are playing football. |
Don’t forget the “be”You always need am, is, or are. The -ing word can never stand alone. She studying. → She is studying.
Spelling of -ing
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Most verbs: add -ing | play → playing, read → reading |
| End in -e: drop the e, add -ing | write → writing, make → making |
| Short verb, one vowel + one consonant: double it | run → running, sit → sitting |
Negatives and questions
- Negative: Omar isn’t working today.
- Question: Are you listening? — Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.
- Question word: What are you doing? — I’m writing an email.
Present simple vs present continuous
| Present simple (routine) | Present continuous (now) |
|---|---|
| Aisha studies every evening. | Aisha is studying right now. |
| Omar works in an office. | Omar is working from home today. |
Signal wordsNow, right now, at the moment, today point to the present continuous. Always, usually, every day point to the present simple.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersThe most common slip is dropping the “be” verb: saying “I working now” instead of “I am working now.” Remember the formula has two parts: be + verb-ing. Both are needed, every time.
Common mistakes
- She studying now. → She is studying now.
- I am study English. → I am studying English.
- They are play football. → They are playing football.
Try the 20 questions below to practise.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."I ___ now." (study)
I + am + studying.
2."Aisha ___ a book." (read)
she + is + reading.
3."They ___ football." (play)
they + are + playing.
4.Spelling: "write" + ing =
Drop the e: writing.
5.Spelling: "run" + ing =
Double the consonant: running.
6.Spelling: "play" + ing =
Just add -ing: playing.
7.Negative: "Omar ___ today." (work)
isn't + working.
8.Question: "___ you listening?"
you + Are...listening?
9."What ___ you doing?"
you + are doing.
10.Which is correct?
Need "is": She is studying now.
11.Which is correct?
am + studying.
12.Which is correct?
are + playing.
13.Routine or now? "Aisha studies every evening."
"every evening" = routine = present simple.
14.Routine or now? "Aisha is studying right now."
"right now" = present continuous.
15.Which word signals present continuous?
"at the moment" = now = present continuous.
16."Yusuf ___ a picture right now." (draw)
right now = is drawing.
17."We ___ to music at the moment." (listen)
we + are listening.
18."It ___ outside now." (rain)
it + is raining.
19.Answer: "Are you working?" (no)
No, I'm not.
20."Omar ___ from home today." (work)
"today" (temporary, now) = is working.
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