A1 Beginner Present continuous
Present continuous — form
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can say what is happening right now, and spell the -ing form correctly.
When to use it
- An action happening as you speak: I am doing my homework now.
- Something in progress over this period: She is studying for her exams this week.
- A firmly arranged plan: We are meeting Lan tomorrow.
Form
| Subject | to be | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | I am reading. |
| He · She · It | is | She is reading. |
| You · We · They | are | They are reading. |
| Negative | am not · isn't · aren't | She isn't reading. |
| Question | Am / Is / Are + S + V-ing? | Are you reading? |
Step by step
- Choose am / is / are for the subject.
- Add -ing to the verb.
- Check the -ing spelling in the table below.
- Count again: does the sentence have both parts — to be and V-ing?
Spelling the -ing form
| Verb ends in | How to add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| most verbs | + ing | play → playing · read → reading |
| silent -e | drop e, + ing | write → writing · make → making |
| 1 syllable: consonant–vowel–consonant | double the final consonant | run → running · sit → sitting |
| -ie | change ie to y | lie → lying · die → dying |
Examples
I am doing my homework now.
She is writing a letter.
They are playing football in the park.
Look! The baby is sleeping.
We are having dinner right now.
He isn't watching TV at the moment.
Are you waiting for the bus?
My sister is studying hard this week.
Common mistakes
He playing football. → He is playing football.
to be is missing. Vietnamese has just one word for the idea, so learners translate only the verb.
I am writeing a letter. → I am writing a letter.
The silent -e must be dropped before adding ing.
She is runing fast. → She is running fast.
run is one syllable consonant–vowel–consonant, so the n doubles.
Memory tip
This tense always comes as a pair: to be + V-ing. Check both parts are there — missing either one is an error.
Summary
- am / is / are + V-ing — leaving out to be is an error.
- Drop the silent -e: write → writing.
- One syllable consonant–vowel–consonant doubles: run → running.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.