Unit 2.4 :”To Be” in the Present Continuous Tense

📘 Introduction

The Present Continuous Tense (also called the Present Progressive) is used to talk about actions happening right now 🕒 or around the present moment. It combines the verb “to be” with another verb ending in -ing.
Example: I am studying. 📚

📖 Definition

The Present Continuous Tense is formed using:

👉 am / is / are (forms of to be)
+
👉 base verb + -ing

We use it to:

✅ Describe actions happening now
📌 She is reading a book.

✅ Talk about temporary situations
📌 They are staying at a hotel.

✅ Describe future arrangements
📌 I am meeting my friend tomorrow.

🧱 Structures

1️⃣ Affirmative Sentences

Structure:
👉 Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

2️⃣ Negative Sentences

Structure:
👉 Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing

3️⃣ Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

Structure:
👉 Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?

✨ Examples of Present Continuous with “To Be”

📝 Tasks and Practice

✍️ Task 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks using am / is / are + verb-ing:

1. I __________ (read) a book.

2. She __________ (cook) dinner.

3. They __________ (not/play) outside.

4. __________ you __________ (study) now?

5. He __________ (not/listen) to music.

🔍 Task 2: Correct the Mistakes

Correct the errors:

1. She am playing the guitar. ❌

2. They is running fast. ❌

3. I are not working. ❌

4. Is we dancing? ❌

5. He not is writing. ❌

✏️ Task 3: Rewrite the Sentences

Change these sentences into negative and interrogative forms:

1. She is swimming. 🏊

2. They are doing homework. 📄

3. I am driving. 🚗

4. He is laughing. 😂

5. We are learning English. 🇬🇧

🧠 Task 4: Create Your Own Sentences

Write 5 original sentences in Present Continuous:

✅ 2 Affirmative
❌ 2 Negative
❓ 1 Interrogative

🤝 Pair Activities

👥 Activity 1: What Are They Doing?

• Look at a set of images (can be shown on board or printed).

• In pairs, describe what people are doing using the present continuous.

🖼️ Example image: a girl painting
💬 “She is painting a picture.” 🎨

👬 Activity 2: Mini Interviews

• Ask your partner the following using the Present Continuous:

  1. What are you doing now?

  2. Are you learning English?

  3. Is your friend studying too?

  4. Are you using a phone?

  5. Are we having fun? 😉

Then report back to the class:
📢 “My partner is studying and using their phone.”

🗣️ Class Discussion

1. What are some things people are doing right now in this classroom? 🏫

2. How is the Present Continuous different from the Present Simple? 🔄

3. Can you describe a typical morning using Present Continuous? ☀️

🎉 Conclusion

The Present Continuous Tense helps us talk about what is happening at this moment and about ongoing actions.
It combines the verb “to be” with verb + -ing.

📌 Remember:

• I am

• He/She/It is

• You/We/They are

Keep practicing with real actions around you! 🧠✅
You’ll master this tense quickly! 🎯