1. Intermediate 1 ESOL Grammar Verbs: The Correct Tense
The Present Continuous

2. The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous:
to talk about what someone is doing now; what someone is in the middle of doing; what’s happening now
He’s waiting for a bus.
It’s raining.
to talk about what someone is doing now, although it does not have to be happening at the time of speaking
I’m reading a great book.

3. The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous:
to talk about the future
My sister is arriving tomorrow.
She’s coming by train.
I’m meeting her at the station.
with words/expressions like today/this week
I’m working hard today.
She’s studying for an exam this week.

4. The Present Continuous
Remember to use the correct form of the verb to be:
I am or I’m
you are or you’re
he/she/it is or he’s/she’s/it’s
we are or we’re
they are or they’re

5. The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous to ask questions:
Am I sitting this exam?
Is your family coming with you?
Are they coming to the party?
Is he studying English this year?

6. The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous to ask questions with question words:
When are you coming to Edinburgh?
What is she studying this year?
How many people are you inviting to your party?
Why are they leaving their flat?