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.)
