Continuous forms

What are we learning today?

You will learn to talk about actions happening now and actions in progress in the past.

Explanation

• The present continuous is: am / is / are + verb with -ing.
• Use it for an action now or for a temporary situation.
• You can also use it for plans: "We're going out this evening."
• The past continuous is: was / were + verb with -ing.
• Use it for an action in progress in the past.
• Time words: now, at the moment, this year (present); while, when, at 5 o'clock (past).
• Do not use these forms with verbs like know and like.

Examples

1. I'm writing all my news on this blog.
2. Tom was still laughing and clapping his hands.
3. Is Lauren doing her homework at the moment?

Remember!

• Do not forget am, is, are, was or were.
• Say "I like pizza", not "I am liking pizza".

Check yourself

1. Complete: "My parents ___ (work) in Dubai now."
2. Make a question: they / play football now