【Unit(4及What及are及you及doing?)】In this unit, we explore the present continuous tense, which is used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the present time. The structure of the present continuous is: subject + be (am/is/are) + verb-ing.
For example:
- I am eating lunch.
- She is studying for her exam.
- They are playing football in the park.
This tense is commonly used when talking about temporary situations or actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking. It’s also used for planned future events, such as:
- I am meeting my friend tomorrow.
- We are going to the movies this evening.
Understanding how to form and use the present continuous correctly is essential for clear communication. It helps us express what people are doing at a specific moment, making our conversations more accurate and natural.
Some common verbs used in the present continuous include: eat, study, play, watch, talk, work, run, listen, write, and many others. These verbs can be combined with different subjects depending on the sentence.
Let’s look at some examples:
- He is cooking dinner.
- The children are playing outside.
- She is reading a book.
- We are waiting for the bus.
It’s also important to remember that not all verbs are used in the present continuous. Some verbs, like know, believe, like, love, hate, are usually not used in this tense because they describe states rather than actions.
In addition to learning the grammar, practicing speaking and listening will help you become more confident using the present continuous in real-life situations. Try describing what you are doing right now, or ask others what they are up to.
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
- Form sentences in the present continuous tense.
- Use it correctly in both spoken and written English.
- Understand and respond to questions about current activities.
With practice and exposure, you’ll find it easier to communicate in English and express what you are doing at any given moment.