Present Continuous Tense 現在進行式

Present Continuous Tense

1.      We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening now.

 The kids are watching TV.
 I am not learning German, because this is an English class.
 Who are you writing to?

2.      We can also use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening around now, and not necessarily this very moment.

Sally is studying really hard for her exams this week.
 How are you brushing up on your English for the trip?
 We aren't working hard these days.

3.      The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about activities happening in the near future, especially for planned future events.

Polly is coming for dinner tomorrow.
 Are you doing anything tonight?
 We aren't going on holiday next week.

The structure of the present continuous tense is:

subject	+	auxiliary verb	+	main verb
		be		base + ing

Look at these examples:

	subject	auxiliary verb		main verb
+	I	am		speaking	to you.
+	You	are		reading	this.
-	She	is	not	staying	in London.
-	We	are	not	playing	football.
?	Is	he		watching	TV?
?	Are	they		waiting	for John?

Exercises:

1.     The baby ____________(sleep).

2.     They ____________(listen) to the radio.

3.     David ____________(eat) noodles.

4.     We ____________(do) our homework.

5.     Jimmy ____________(talk) to Miss Kwok.

6.     Daddy ____________(read) newspaper.

7.     Peter ____________(drink) milk.

8.     I ____________(bake) a chocolate cake.

9.     John ____________(wash) his hands.

10.  We ____________(go) to visit our grandfather.

11.  It ____________(rain) now.

12.  Susan ____________(brush) her teeth.

13.  The cat ____________(catch) the mouse.

14.  The dog ____________(bark) at the strangers.

15.  My mother ____________(pay) for the bill.

16.  The teacher ____________(write) on the board.

17.  May ____________(speak) on the phone.

18.  The students ____________(looking) at the notice board.

19.  John ____________(open) the windows.

20.  I ____________(go) to school now.