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Beginner English Grammar (A2) Lesson 3 of 25

Present Continuous

Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.

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Conversation 1

Man: What are you doing?
Woman: I’m writing a report.
Man: What are you writing about?
Woman: I’m writing about Bitcoin.
Man: Oh, that sounds interesting.
Woman: It is! I’m learning a lot.
Man: Where are you getting your information?
Woman: Wikipedia and Chat GPT.
Man: That works, I guess.

Conversation 2

Man: Where is mom?
Woman: She’s in the kitchen. She’s cooking dinner.
Man: Where’s dad?
Woman: He’s outside. He’s sitting on the porch. He’s waiting for dinner.
Man: What’s he doing outside?
Woman: He’s listening to news on the radio.
Man: Why doesn’t he watch the news on TV?
Woman: The TV isn’t working.
Man: Oh, that’s too bad. Well, it is a nice day to be outside.

Conversation 3

Man: Hey, what a surprise! What are you doing here?
Woman: I’m waiting for my friend. I’m meeting him for lunch.
Man: Nice! Where are you going?
Woman: We’re going to the new Italian restaurant.
Man: Oh, I hear it’s really good.
Woman: What about you? What are you doing? Are you shopping?
Man: Yeah. I’m picking up a few things, and then I’m going to the gym.
Woman: Well, have a good workout.
Man: Thanks! Enjoy your meal.
Woman: Thanks!

Conversation 4

Man: What’s happening outside?
Woman: I think a car hit a man on a bike.
Man: Oh no! Is he hurt?
Woman: I’m not sure. He’s lying on the ground.
Man: Oh no. Is it serious?
Woman: No, he is getting up now.
Man: Well, that’s good.
Woman: He looks OK. He’s smiling and talking now.
Man: Oh, good! That’s good news.

Present Continuous

Point 1: We use the present continuous for actions that start and finish within a time frame. We often say the action is happening now.
  1. What are you doing?
  2. I'm calling my friend. (The action will stop soon.)
  3. What are you watching on TV?
  4. I'm watching a documentary about the Olympics.
Point 2: We use the present simple tense for an action that is repeating or ongoing. We use the present continuous if the action will end at some time.
  1. I live in New York.
  2. I'm living in New York at the moment. (I'll move one day.)
  3. I work a lot.
  4. I'm working a lot these days. (I will work less soon.)
Point 3: In fast spoken English, the be verbs are contracted and the /g/ in the /-ing/ is omitted.
  1. I am having a good time.
  2. I'm havin' a good time.
  3. She is making a big mistake.
  4. She's makin' a big mistake.
  5. He is not coming to the party.
  6. He isn't comin' to the party.
Point 4: We often use the present continuous for plans in the future, especially if the action is known or anticipated by other people.
  • Are you coming to the party tomorrow night?
  • Yes, but I'm working tomorrow, so I might be late.
  • Is anyone coming with you?
  • Yes, I'm bringing my friend.
Answer these questions about the interview.

Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!

Grammar Listening Practice


A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-01 Present Simple
I work at a tech company.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-02 Third Person Singular
He works at a hospital.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-03 Present Continuous
I am writing a letter to my friend.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-04 Will / Future Tense
I won’t take up much of your time.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-05 Going to / Future Tense
What are you going to do tonight?

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