Present continuous: I'm working, I'm not working, Am I working? — Explanation

Learn how to use the Present Continuous tense in English: I'm working, I'm not working, and Am I working? There are interactive exercises and an explanation of A1 grammar.

Present Continuous Form: I'm working, I'm not working, and Am I working?

One of the first tenses you learn in English is the Present Continuous Tense. We use it to talk about things that are happening right now, things that are happening around now, or things that are only temporary. You can also use it to talk about what you want to do in the future.

Present Continuous Form

The structure is easy:

Subject + am / is / are + verb + -ing

Subject	“be” verb	Example
I	am	I’m working.
You / We / They	are	They’re watching TV.
He / She / It	is	She’s reading a book.

Negative Form

Add "not" after "am," "is," or "are" to make a sentence that isn't true.

Structure:

Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing

Examples:

• I’m not working.
• He isn’t studying today.
• They aren’t playing football.

You can also use contractions:

• is not → isn’t
• are not → aren’t

Question Form

We ask questions by putting "am," "is," or "are" before the subject.

Structure:

Am / Is / Are + subject + verb-ing?

Examples:

• Am I working?
• Is she sleeping?
• Are they studying?

Short answers:

• Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.
• Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t.
• Yes, they are. / No, they aren’t.

When Do We Use the Present Continuous?

a. Things that are happening right now:

• She’s talking on the phone.
• I’m eating dinner.

b. Temporary actions or situations:

• I’m staying with my friend this week.
• They’re working on a new project.

c. Future plans (especially personal):

• I’m meeting my teacher tomorrow.
• We’re going to the cinema tonight.

Spelling Rules for -ing Verbs

Base Verb	Rule	-ing Form
work	just add -ing	working
make	drop “e” + add -ing	making
sit	double the last consonant + add -ing	sitting
play	just add -ing	playing

Common Mistakes

Incorrect:  He working now.

Correct:  He is working now.

(Always use am/is/are before the -ing verb.)

Incorrect:  I’m not work.

Correct:  I’m not working.

(Use -ing form after am/is/are.)