Instructions
We use the present continuous (am/is/are + -ing) to talk about temporary things which have begun but haven't finished. They are often happening now, at this moment.
Here are some examples of things happening now.
I'm just uploading some photos to Facebook and I'm sending a message to Billie.
We're all riding camels and the sun's shining.
They're waiting for me to get off the phone!
I'm not sure what 'temporary' means. Can I say 'I'm learning to drive', even if I'm not having a driving lesson right now?
Yes, absolutely! You might not be having a driving lesson right at this moment, but it is temporary, so that's correct. We use the present continuous for longer situations like this too.
OK, I see what you mean. So that’s for things happening now, or round about now. What about the future? Can I use the present continuous for the future?
Yes, I’m glad you asked me that. We use the present continuous for future arrangements with other people.
At eight I’m meeting Lucas, just for a quick coffee.
What about questions and negatives?
For questions you just change round the subject and the verb to be. So, You are > Are you, then add the –ing form. Sometimes you need a question word first.
Are you working hard for the exam?
What are you doing?
Is anybody sitting here?
For negatives you add not after the verb to be. Don't forget to use a contraction if you're speaking.
You're not really studying at all, are you? (or You aren't really studying…)
They aren't using the computer room at the moment.
This program isn't working.
That's fine, but I suppose there are some spelling rules for –ing forms?
Yes, you're right. If a verb ends in e, you take off the e and add –ing
have - having ride - riding
If a verb ends in a vowel + a consonant, the consonant is usually doubled before you add –ing.
swim - swimming run - running
But be careful with verbs with more than two syllables where the stress isn't on the last syllable. With those you don't double the consonant.
visit - visiting open - opening
OK, but what about two-syllable verbs where the stress is on the last syllable, like begin?
If the stress is on the last syllable, you do double the final consonant.
begin - beginning
Right, the present continuous seems quite easy to me. I'm understanding it perfectly!
Whoops! Sorry, you can't say 'I'm understanding it'.
Why not? I'm talking about something happening right now.
Yes, but there is a group of verbs which are called state verbs which we use for states (not actions) and we don't usually use these in the continuous form.
want - need - like - love - hate - prefer - believe - think - know - realise - understand - recognise - suppose - be - exist - appear - look - seem - belong - have (for possession) - own - feel - smell - taste
So these are verbs for talking about emotions, thinking, existing, appearing, possession and the senses.
Yes, excellent.
But wait a minute. What about, 'I'm thinking of coming with you tomorrow.' Or, 'I'm thinking about my girlfriend.'
Yes, they are correct. But the meaning of think there is 'having thoughts in your mind' or 'considering'. It's not the same as 'having an opinion' about something.
I think that song's brilliant. (opinion)
She's thinking about studying archaeology. (considering / wondering about)
OK, so there are some exceptions. Like, 'I'm loving it.'
No, sorry, that's not an exception, that's wrong!
It can't be wrong!
Well, OK, maybe it's a new usage. English does change. But don't use it in exams!
Worksheets and downloads
Transcript
Discussion
Are you good at doing lots of things at the same time? What are you doing now, apart from practising your English?
Comments
No, I am not good at doing lots of things in the same time and I don't want to. I think it's better you are doing only one thing, but perfectly, than doing many things badly. Don't fritter away your concentration and be focused on one task. I wish you good luck!
Yes, I'm good at doing lots of things at the same time. For example now i’m making a cake, listening to music and reading the recipe for the cake.
I’m good al make things at the same time. Now i’m studing english, listening to music, and talk with mi brother.
No, i’m not good at doing lots of things at the time. I prefer doing one thing at the time. Now i’m studying for school and going out with my friends.
I can do a lot of things at the same time, for example watching the tv and doing my homework.
Yes, I am! For example when I read a book, I also do my homework at the same time; I make a cake, I sing and I watch TV, or I speak to the phone and I write a letter...
Now I'm studyng for tomorrow for a test!! Bye!!
I'm good at doing lots of things at the same time.
Right now, for example, I'm studying English, I'm drinking a cup of tea, eating some biscuits, and listening to music.
It's very easy for me!
I'm not very good at doing lot of things at the same time. Only a few times I read, I speak and listen to music at the same time. Now I'm watching the TV.
I'm not good at doing a lot things at the same time but usually I listen to music when I walk. At the moment I'm studying English in my bedroom.
Yes, I'm good at doing many things at the same time, but it depends of the type of things. I prefer doing one thing at the time.
Now, I am doing one thing: I am answering at this question.
Yes, I can do lots of things at the same time. Now I am watching TV, doing my homework and I am helping my sister to do her homework.
No, unfortunately I'm not good at doing many things at the same time. Sometimes when I read a book I eat a snak. But in general I do one thing at a time.
Now I'm listenig to music with my computer.
I'm not good at doing lot of things at the same time!
Right now I'm listening to Metallica.
Yeah! Right now l'm listening to music or playing computer
Yeah! I’m a master in doing-lots-of-things-at-the-same-time. Right now I’m listening to music, playing to computer game and watching tv lol
Yes. I'm learning English, listening to FROZEN O.S.Ts, reading Percy Jackson and doing my school homework at the same time.
Yeah! I am good at doing lots of things at the same time. At the moment, I am studying English grammar, listening to music and watching news.
Yes, I am. At the moment I'm studying English and I'm talking with my friend at the same time!
I am currently doing the English activity and listening to music
no, I need to do one thing, otherwise everything may go wrong
I'm good at doing lots of things at the same time. Now I'm doing English and listening to music. I focus better when I listen to music.
Oh no, I'm not good at doing lots of things at the same time! But when I do something I do it good. Now I'm doing only English.
Yes, I am. In fact, in this moment, while I’m studying, I’m listening to music. Now I’m doing the volleyball exercises because I play volleyball and my teacher gave me them to do at home. I’m making video calls with my teacher and my team because in this period nobody can leave the house. I‘m doing the next video call on Monday.
i'm reading my favorite english book
I'm listening to music, because i love do it
teacher... i finish that
Who likes my name?
I am not good at doing a lot of things at the same time. Now I am studying English and that's it.
I am sometimes doing a lot of things at the same time. Now I studying English and I am thinking about food.
I'm not good doing lot of things at the same time .I feel nervous at that time.I focus on what I'm doing. I'm listing podcast on the bed .I'm studying English without music .I'm doing homework without the internet.
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