Question 1

How do I form questions in the present continuous?

Accepted Answer

For yes/no questions, put the form of "be" (am, is, are) before the subject: "Is she working?" "Are they coming?" For Wh- questions, start with the question word (what, where, why, who, how), then "be," then the subject: "What is she doing?" "Where are they going?" The -ing verb always goes at the end. Never use "do" or "does" in a present continuous question — "Does she working?" is always wrong. The correct form is "Is she working?" Remember: present continuous questions use "be," not "do."

Question 2

Do I need do or does for present continuous questions?

Accepted Answer

No — "do" and "does" are used only in present simple questions, not in the present continuous. Compare: "Does she work here?" (present simple — habit) and "Is she working here today?" (present continuous — now). If you see an -ing verb in the question, the helper verb must be "am," "is," or "are" — never "do" or "does." Writing "Do you watching?" or "Does he playing?" is a very common mistake that mixes two different tenses. A quick check: if the main verb ends in -ing, use a form of "be" to make the question.

Question 3

What is the word order for Wh- questions in the present continuous?

Accepted Answer

The word order follows a clear pattern: question word + am/is/are + subject + verb-ing. For example: "What are you eating?" (What + are + you + eating). "Where is she going?" (Where + is + she + going). "Why are they laughing?" (Why + are + they + laughing). When "who" or "what" is the subject of the question, the order changes slightly: "Who is knocking at the door?" (Who + is + knocking — no extra subject needed). This happens because "who" already acts as the subject. Practise both patterns until the word order becomes natural.

Present Continuous: Questions Exercises

Quick Rule

Continue Practising

Basic Form

Happening Now

Temporary Situations

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect