Intermediate 1 ESOL Grammar
Verbs: The Correct Tense
The Present
Continuous
The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous:

to talk about what someone is doing now; what
someone is in the middle of doing; what’s happening
now
He’s waiting for a bus.
It’s raining.

to talk about what someone is doing now, although it
does not have to be happening at the time of speaking
I’m reading a great book.
The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous:
 to talk about the future
My sister is arriving tomorrow.
She’s coming by train.
I’m meeting her at the station.

with words/expressions like today/this week
I’m working hard today.
She’s studying for an exam this week.
The Present Continuous
Remember to use the correct form of the verb
to be:
I am or I’m
 you are or you’re
 he/she/it is or he’s/she’s/it’s
 we are or we’re
 they are or they’re

The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous to ask questions:
Am I sitting this exam?
 Is your family coming with you?
 Are they coming to the party?
 Is he studying English this year?

The Present Continuous
Use the present continuous to ask questions
with question words:




When are you coming to Edinburgh?
What is she studying this year?
How many people are you inviting to your
party?
Why are they leaving their flat?