Question 1

How do you form the present continuous tense?

Accepted Answer

The present continuous is formed with: subject + am/is/are + verb-ing. Use "am" with I (I am working), "is" with he/she/it (She is reading), and "are" with you/we/they (They are playing). For negatives, add "not" after am/is/are. For questions, invert the subject and am/is/are.

Question 2

What are the spelling rules for adding -ing?

Accepted Answer

Key spelling rules: 1) Most verbs: add -ing (play→playing), 2) Verbs ending in -e: drop the e, add -ing (make→making), 3) Short verbs with consonant-vowel-consonant: double the final consonant (run→running, sit→sitting), 4) Verbs ending in -ie: change ie to y, add -ing (lie→lying, die→dying).

Question 3

When do you use the present continuous?

Accepted Answer

Use the present continuous for: 1) Actions happening right now (I am reading a book), 2) Temporary situations (She is staying with friends this week), 3) Future arrangements (We are meeting tomorrow at 5), 4) Annoying habits with "always" (He is always losing his keys!), 5) Changing situations (The weather is getting colder).

Question 4

What are state verbs and why can't they be used in continuous?

Accepted Answer

State verbs describe states, not actions, so they are not normally used in continuous tenses. Common state verbs include: mental states (know, believe, understand, remember), emotions (love, hate, want, need), senses (see, hear, smell, taste), possession (have, own, belong), and others (be, seem, cost, mean). Say "I understand" NOT "I am understanding".

Question 5

What is the difference between present simple and present continuous?

Accepted Answer

Present simple is for habits, routines, and permanent situations (I work in London, She speaks French). Present continuous is for temporary situations and actions happening now or around now (I am working from home today, She is learning French). Compare: "I drink coffee" (habit) vs "I am drinking coffee" (right now).

Question 6

What are dual-meaning verbs?

Accepted Answer

Some verbs have two meanings - one as a state verb (no continuous) and one as an action verb (can use continuous). Examples: "have" - state: I have a car (possession), action: I am having lunch (eating). "Think" - state: I think it is good (opinion), action: I am thinking about the problem (mental process). "See" - state: I see the mountain (perceive), action: I am seeing the doctor tomorrow (meeting).

Present Simple	Present Continuous
"I work in London." (permanent job)	"I'm working from home today." (temporary)
"She drinks coffee." (habit)	"She's drinking tea today." (unusual/now)
"Water boils at 100°C." (fact)	"The water's boiling!" (happening now)

Present Continuous Exercises

All 14 Exercises

Basic Form (Am/Is/Are + -ing)

Spelling Rules

Positive Sentences

Negative Sentences

Questions

Short Answers

Actions Happening Now

Temporary Situations

Future Arrangements

Always + Continuous (Annoying Habits)

Simple vs Continuous: Basics

Simple vs Continuous: State Verbs

Simple vs Continuous: Dual-Meaning Verbs

Final Test

What is the present continuous tense?

With "I"

With he/she/it

With you/we/they

What are the spelling rules for -ing verbs?

When do you use the present continuous?

1. Actions Happening Now

2. Temporary Situations

3. Future Arrangements

4. Annoying Habits

What is the difference between present simple and present continuous?

Which verbs cannot be used in the continuous form?

Mental States

Emotions

Possession

Senses/Perception

Why do some verbs change meaning in continuous form?

THINK

HAVE

SEE

TASTE / SMELL

What are the most common present continuous mistakes?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the present continuous tense?

What's the difference between present simple and present continuous?

Why can't I say 'I am knowing the answer'?

Can I use present continuous for the future?

What are the spelling rules for -ing?

What does 'always' + continuous mean?

Sources

Speaking Practice: Present Continuous

Tips for Present Continuous Discussion Practice

Free Downloads

Present Continuous Infographics (4 Charts)

Worksheet (PDF)

Answer Key (PDF)

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