[Junior High 1st Year] English: Present Continuous (Action Happening Now)
Hello everyone! In this lesson, we’re going to study a super important concept for 1st-year junior high students: the "Present Continuous."
Once you master this, you'll be able to talk about what you're doing right now. For example, you can say things like, "I'm doing my homework now!" or "He is running!"
Take it one step at a time, and I promise you’ll master this in no time!
1. What is the Present Continuous?
In English, there are two ways to talk about actions: "I play tennis" (a regular habit) and "I am playing tennis (right now)."
This "in the middle of doing something" meaning is what we call the Present Continuous.
Think of it like this:
・Present Simple (Habit): Like a photo—a still, usual scene.
・Present Continuous (Now): Like a video—an action in motion.
[Point] Learn the Form!
The Present Continuous is always made with this combination:
Subject + be verb (am / is / are) + verb-ing
Example: I am playing tennis now.
(I am playing tennis right now.)
Heads up! The "be verb" and "ing" are a power duo. You can't have one without the other! Make sure you don't write things like "I playing" or "I am play."
2. Rules for Making "-ing" Forms
There are a few rules to follow when adding -ing to the end of a verb. Let's learn them by heart!
① Just add it (for most verbs)
・play → playing
・read → reading
・eat → eating
② Words ending in "e" -> Drop the "e" and add -ing
・write → writing (Say goodbye to the e!)
・use → using
・make → making
③ Short vowels + consonants -> Double the last letter and add -ing
・run → running (Write the n twice)
・swim → swimming (Write the m twice)
・sit → sitting (Write the t twice)
Pro-tip: This "doubling rule" usually applies to short, punchy words. If you're ever stuck, just make sure you memorize these four: run, swim, sit, and cut!
3. Negative Sentences (~ing is not happening)
If you want to say you are "not" doing something, just put not after the be verb! It’s the same rule as standard be verb sentences.
Subject + be verb + not + verb-ing
Example: He is not (isn't) watching TV.
(He is not watching TV.)
4. Questions (Are you...?)
If you want to ask, "Are you doing that?", just move the be verb to the front!
Be verb + subject + verb-ing ~?
Example: Are you studying English?
(Are you studying English?)
How to answer:
・Yes, I am.
・No, I'm not.
*The way you answer is exactly the same as in standard be verb sentences!
5. Common Mistakes (Watch out!)
I’ve summarized the mistakes that tend to show up on tests. Checking these will help boost your score!
- Forgetting the be verb: I playing... (×) → I am playing... (○)
- Forgetting the ing: I am play... (×) → I am playing... (○)
- Mismatched be verb and subject: They is running... (×) → They are running... (○)
★ The Magic Spell:
Try saying this in your head: "The be verb and the ing, together they make the Continuous thing!"
Key Takeaway
1. "Doing something now" = "be verb + ing"!
2. Match your be verb (am, is, are) to the subject!
3. Watch the spelling rules for -ing (drop the e, double the consonant)!
4. Negative = be verb + not; Question = move the be verb to the front!
At first, adding -ing might feel a bit tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of the rhythm. Try practicing by adding -ing to your favorite action verbs. You've got this!