I'm working now: the present continuous
Actions happening now, and the difference between now and every day
What you'll be able to do
Say what is happening now, and choose between "now" and "every day".
The idea
Use the present continuous (am / is / are + -ing) for actions happening now, at the moment you speak.
- I'm cooking dinner right now.happening now
- She is talking on the phone.she + is + -ing
- They aren't watching TV at the moment.negative
- Are you listening to me?question
| I | he / she / it | you / we / they |
|---|---|---|
| I am working | she is working | they are working |
Now or every day?
- every day, usually, often → present simple: I usually walk to work.
- now, right now, at the moment, Look! → present continuous: Today I'm taking the bus.
Some verbs are almost never in -ing: like, love, want, know, need, understand. Say I want a coffee, not I'm wanting a coffee.
Spelling of -ing
- most verbs: add -ing (work → working)
- verbs ending in -e: drop the e (make → making)
- one short vowel + one consonant: double it (sit → sitting, run → running)
Common mistakes
I cooking now.→ I'm cooking now.She is work today.→ She is working today.I'm knowing the answer.→ I know the answer.Every morning I'm drinking coffee.→ Every morning I drink coffee.
Practice
- Be quiet! The baby _____.Options: is sleeping · sleeps · sleep
Show the answer
is sleeping — Happening now: is + -ing.
- I _____ to work every day.Options: walk · walking · am walk
Show the answer
walk — Every day: a habit, so the present simple.
- I _____ the answer.Options: know · am knowing · knowing
Show the answer
know — Know is almost never in -ing.
- Look! It _____ (snow).
Show the answer
is snowing — Happening now: is + -ing.
- We _____ (have) lunch at the moment.
Show the answer
are having — We → are + -ing; have → having.
In the app, this lesson is taught one idea at a time with the examples read aloud, then practised with questions you answer by choosing or typing. It comes back for review on later days, until you can use it without help.