Present Continuous Tense Exercise

What is Present Continuous Tense?

Before understanding the rules, we have to first understand that what is present continuous tense and what is the basic sentence structure of continuous tense.

The word continuous symbolizes the continuity of action. The present continuous tense refers to the action that is happening at the moment of speaking.

In addition, present continuous tense is such sentences that indicate the action which is happening now, frequent action, or may continue in future.

Note: These sentences do not give any hint about when the work started.

• I am doing my work with sincerity.
• She is enjoying the latest movie.

In the above sentences doing and enjoying are indicating the continuity of action.

Uses of Present Continuous Tense

1. To refer to an action that is going on at the time.
   For example:
   The birds are flying in the sky. (means that the birds are flying even as the sentence is spoken).
2. To express an action that is planned for the future. For example:
   My father is going to London next week.
   To talk about future arrangements; usually used with time expressions like next week, at Christmas, tomorrow. For example:
   Tania is coming back next week.

Rules for using helping verb (is, am, are) in Present Continuous Tense

In the present continuous tense, we use 'Is' with the singular subject such as (he, she, it) and 'Are' with the plural subjects (we, they, these, those).

• She is copying in the class test.
• These teachers are contributing to a better future.
• We are nominating Helen from captaincy.

'I' is an exceptional singular subject with which we use 'Am'.

• I am only cheering up for you.

How to make Present Continuous Tense?

In these sentences, we use to be (is/ am/ are) and the first form of the verb with ing.

• The following rules should be followed while adding 'ing' at the end:
  1. If 'e' is there at the end of the verb, then 'e' is omitted while adding 'ing' at the end of it.
     For example:
     Rise - Rising, Write - Writing.
  2. If the last letter of a verb is a consonant and is preceded by only one vowel, then when the last letter 'ing' is added, it becomes a double.
     For example:
     Run - Running, Stop - Stopping.
  3. But if there are vowels before the last consonant, then adding 'ing' does not make the last consonant double. Example:
     Weep - weeping, Beat - beating.

Formula for Affirmative Sentences

The structure for the affirmative or declarative sentences is quite simple.

Subject + to be (is/ am/ are) + first form of verb + ing + object.

Let's see a few examples of the declarative sentences:

• That man is snatching that woman's purse.
• My parents are leaving for Pune tomorrow.
• I am going to see the magic show.

Formula for Negative Sentences

While making negative sentences in present continuous tense, add not or never after the helping verb (is, am, are).

Subject + to be (is/ am/ are) + not + first form of verb + ing + object.

• They are not wearing the dress according to the theme.
• Nick is never mopping the floor properly.
• I am not making a noise during the lecture.

Formula for Interrogative Sentences

The Yes/ No type Interrogative Sentences

These sentences start with the helping verb (to be). We use the helping verb before the subject.

To be (Is/ Am /Are) + Subject + First Form of Verb + ing + Object + ?.

Examples:

• Am I taking the wrong decision?
• Is she planning for a destination wedding?
• Are we teasing the juniors?

Question Word type Interrogative Sentences

These sentences start with the question word or WH word (what, why, whom, when, etc).

Question Word + Is/ Am/ Are + Subject + First Form of Verb + ing + Object + ?.

Examples:

• What is he doing in the corridor?
• When are they meeting with their friends?
• Why am I too worried about the examination?

Interrogative Negative Sentences

In interrogative negative sentences, we use not or never just before the verb.

Examples:

• Am I not helping her?
• Why are you not taking your medicines regularly?
• Are these children not bathing?

EXERCISE - 1

Fill in the blanks to be [is/ am/ are] . Also, fill the verb in suitable manner of present continuous tense:

• The monkeys _________ in the tree. (chatter)
• I _______ a letter to my mom. (write)
• We _______ the plants in our garden. (water)
• Kevin ____ to Chennai next week. Our cousin ________ married. (go, get)
• These students ____ not _______ the sums. (solve)
• She _____ not ______ to see the exhibition today. (go)
• Tell me! Who _______ you? (abuse)
• ____ I not _______ him in his troubles? (help)
• How many girls ______ in the annual cultural festival? (participate)
• I ____ to the village at today's evening. (wander)
• The passengers __________ the train now. (board)
• I hope you ________ yourself. (enjoy)

EXERCISE - 2

Change the following sentences as instructed:

• We are learning English now. (Change to negative)
• At present mother is cooking food in the kitchen. (Change to interrogative)
• The train is coming late today. (Change to negative)
• Are they listening to the radio? (Change to affirmative)
• You are shivering with cold. (Change to interrogative)
• The police are chasing the thieves. (Change to negative)
• The car is not running at full speed. (Change to interrogative)
• Mohan is not fulfilling his duty properly. (Change to interrogative)
• Is the baby sleeping? (Change to negative)
• Are you taking my test? (Change to negative)
• Are the boys praying in the assembly? (Change to affirmative)
• Why are you not wearing new clothes today? (Change to affirmative)
• Is she not doing the press on the clothes? (Change to affirmative)
• The postman is not bringing letters and money orders. (Change to interrogative)
• How is the gardener watering the plants? (Change to negative)