We form the Present Continuous with am / is / are + verb-ing.
The verb-ing form has some important spelling rules — learn them carefully!
| Short Answer (Yes) | Short Answer (No) |
|---|---|
| Yes, I am. | No, I 'm not. |
| Yes, he/she/it is. | No, he/she/it isn't. |
| Yes, you/we/they are. | No, you/we/they aren't. |
⚙️ Spelling Rules for -ing:
| Rule | Action | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs | Add -ing | wear → wearing / go → going |
| Verb ends in -e | Drop the -e, add -ing | make → making / drive → driving |
| Short verb: consonant-vowel-consonant | Double the last consonant + -ing | sit → sitting / run → running |
| Verb ends in -ie | Change -ie to y, add -ing | lie → lying / die → dying |
Certain time expressions tell you which tense to use. For the Present Continuous, look for NOW words (happening at this moment) and FUTURE words (a fixed arrangement coming up soon).
We can use the Present Continuous to talk about fixed future arrangements — plans you have already made and confirmed (a meeting, a ticket, a booking).
⚠️ Important: You MUST include a future time expression. Without one, the sentence sounds like it is happening right now.
Both structures can talk about the future, but they are NOT always the same. At A2 level, here is the key difference:
| Be Going To | Present Continuous |
|---|---|
| Intention / Personal plan — you have decided to do something but have not necessarily arranged it with others. "I am going to buy a new jacket." (I decided this, I haven't booked anything yet.) |
Fixed arrangement — a plan involving other people or confirmed details (ticket, booking, meeting). "I am meeting Sarah at 6 PM." (We agreed this. It is in the diary.) |
| "She is going to study medicine." (That's her plan/dream.) | "She is starting university in September." (She is enrolled. It is arranged.) |
In English, we use different verbs with clothes depending on what we mean. These are NOT the same!
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| wear | Already on your body — describing what you have on. | "She is wearing a blue dress." |
| put on | The action of placing clothes on your body (a moment in time). | "I am putting on my jacket." |
| take off | The action of removing clothes from your body. | "He took off his coat when he came in." |
| try on | Putting on clothes in a shop to see if they fit or look good. | "Can I try on this dress, please?" |
| fit | The size is correct for your body. | "These trousers don't fit me — they are too tight." |
| suit | The style or colour looks good on you. | "That colour really suits you!" |
| match | Two things go well together in colour or style. | "Your shoes don't match your bag." |
My cousin is getting married next Saturday and I am so excited! I am wearing a long blue dress to the ceremony. I bought it last month and it fits perfectly — it is not too tight and not too loose. My husband is wearing his dark grey suit with a white shirt and a blue tie. The tie matches my dress, which is nice. He is putting on his suit in the bedroom right now. After the ceremony, we are having dinner at a big hotel near the church. We are staying there overnight too, so I am packing a small bag tonight with my pyjamas and some casual clothes for Sunday morning. I can't wait! It is going to be a wonderful day.
1. What colour is the writer's dress?
2. What is her husband doing right now?
3. Where are they staying after the wedding?
4. Why is the writer packing casual clothes? (Inference)
I am so happy because we are flying to Greece next Tuesday! I am really excited — this is my first big holiday abroad. I am taking three pairs of shorts, two T-shirts, a light cotton dress, and my new sandals. I am not taking any jumpers or boots — it is going to be very hot there! I am also packing my sunglasses and a hat to protect me from the sun. We are staying in a small hotel near the beach for ten days. On our first evening, we are having dinner at a restaurant by the sea. My friend recommended it — she says the food is amazing and it is very affordable. The only problem is the packing. My suitcase is very heavy right now. I am trying to remove a few things, but it is not easy!
1. When are they flying to Greece?
2. Why is the writer NOT packing jumpers?
3. What is the writer's problem at the end of the text?
4. Why does the writer mention her friend when talking about the restaurant? (Inference)
Emma is very excited because she and her friend Jake (1) some new friends for dinner (2) at a smart restaurant.
Emma is in her bedroom (3) different outfits. She has a red dress, but she is not sure if the colour (4) her. She also has a black jacket, but it is too small — it doesn't (5) her properly.
In the end, Emma decides she (6) her blue skirt with a white blouse. The two colours (7) perfectly and the skirt (8) her perfectly.
Meanwhile, Jake (9) his smart trousers and a clean shirt. He is (10) his favourite brown leather shoes. They (11) their new friends at the restaurant at 8 PM!