Grammar- The present continuous Tense - JSS1 English Language Lesson Note
Grammar: Using the Present Continuous Tense (JSS 1)
What is the Present Continuous Tense?
The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions happening right now or around the moment of speaking. It shows something is in progress.
How to Form the Present Continuous Tense:
We use the helping verb "be" (am, is, or are) + the present participle (verb ending in "-ing") of the main verb.
Subject + be (am, is, are) + verb-ing Here's a table to help you remember:
| Subject | Helping Verb ("be") | Main Verb (present participle) | |
| I | am |
playing, reading, eating
| |
| You (singular) | are |
playing, reading, eating
| |
| He/She/It | is |
playing, reading, eating
| |
| We | are |
playing, reading, eating
| |
| You (plural) | are |
playing, reading, eating
| |
| They | are |
playing, reading, eating
|
Examples:
- I am eating breakfast. (The action is happening now.)
- We are playing football. (The game is ongoing.)
- She is watching a movie. (She's currently seeing the movie.)
Negative Sentences:
To make a negative sentence, we use "be (am, is, are) not" followed by the verb-ing.
- Subject + be (am, is, are) not + verb-ing
Examples:
- He is not sleeping. (He's awake right now.)
- They are not working today. (They have a day off.)
- You are not listening! (Pay attention!)
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb (present continuous):
- They _________ (play) football. (Are playing)
- He _________ (not listen) to music. (Isn't listening)
- You _________ (watch) TV? (Are watching)