LEVEL ELEMENTARY 1

UNIT 1

LESSON 3 - WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

The present continuous

Use & examples Key words

We use the present continuous to talk about something that • now

is in progress at the moment we speak. • right now
For example: • at this moment and
• currently
We are going down the A202 now.
We are turning left now.
My sister is watching TV in her room just now.

This period sometimes includes what is happening around

now – but not necessarily at the exact moment of speaking.

I'm currently writing a romantic novel.

They are going down the A202.

Form Examples

The present continuous is formed by the verb to be (am/is/are) That van is turning there now.
followed by the -ing form of the main verb.
My sister is watching TV in her room just now.
• Affirmative
In affirmative sentences, we use the verb to be (am/is/are) I'm currently writing a romantic novel.
followed by the –ing form of the main verb.
My brother is playing tennis at the club right now.
I’m driving on Sunset Boulevard.
They are waiting at the restaurant.
My brother is playing tennis at the club right now.
They are waiting at the restaurant. Carlos is not studying Engineering.

• Negative The children aren't playing in the garden. Where are they?
In negative sentences, we use not (or n't for the contracted
form) after the verb to be. Is he watching the soap opera at the moment?

I’m not kidding! Are you preparing dinner?

Carlos is not studying Engineering.
The children aren't playing in the garden. Where are they?

• Interrogative
In questions, place the verb to be before the subject.

Is he watching the soap opera at the moment?

Are you preparing dinner?
Am I doing the right thing now?

Expressions such as now, right now, at this moment and as we

speak are frequently used with the present continuous.

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