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Beginner 📝 Grammar
Present Continuous
The Present Continuous is for things happening right now, or around now — this week, these days..
1What is it?
The Present Continuous is for things happening right now, or around now — this week, these days.
2Why do we use it?
When someone calls and asks “What are you doing?”, this is the tense you answer with. It is also how you talk about temporary situations and plans.
3The simple rule
Use am / is / are + verb-ing.
4Formula
am / is / are + verbing
I am eatingHe is eatingYou are eatingShe is eatingWe are eatingIt is rainingThey are eatingChechi is cooking
5Easy examples
I am reading.Right now.
She is sleeping.
They are playing.
It is raining.
6Everyday examples
I’m waiting for the bus.
What are you doing?Question: are + you + doing
He isn’t working today.Negative: isn’t
We’re having dinner. Can I call you back?
7Kerala and India examples
It’s raining heavily in Trivandrum.
Amma is making puttu.
I’m learning English these days.Around now, not this second
They’re building a new flyover near Kazhakootam.
Are you coming to the wedding on Sunday?A plan for the near future
8Common mistakes
I am knowing him.
I know him.
Why: Know, like, want, understand, need are “state verbs” — they don’t usually take -ing.
She cooking now.
She is cooking now.
Why: Don’t drop is / am / are.
I am having a headache.
I have a headache.
Why: Have + illness or possession stays Present Simple. (“I’m having lunch” is fine — it means eating.)
What you are doing?
What are you doing?
Why: In questions, are comes before you.
9Practice quiz
Question 1 of 5Multiple choice
Look! It ___.
10Speaking challenge
Speaking challenge
Look around you. Say what is happening right now: “The fan is running. My brother is watching TV…”. Say 5 sentences.
0:30
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.