Present Continuous (Unit 1) Review

These flashcards cover the structure, usage rules, common verbs, and typical time expressions associated with the present continuous tense from Unit 1.

What basic structure forms the present continuous tense?

am / is / are + verb-ing

Which auxiliary verb is used with "we/you/they" in the present continuous?

are

Complete the rule: "I am doing something = I started doing it and _."

I haven’t finished; I’m in the middle of it

Give an example of a sentence that shows an action happening right now using the verb "try."

Please don’t make so much noise. I’m trying to work.

Why is "He has a shower" incorrect when describing Mark’s current activity?

Because an action happening now needs the present continuous: "He’s having a shower."

Which time expressions are common with the present continuous to show a period around now?

today / this week / this year, etc.

Provide a sentence with "today" that correctly uses the present continuous.

You’re working hard today.

Give one verb often used to describe change with the present continuous.

getting, becoming, changing, improving, starting, beginning, increasing, rising, falling, or growing (any one of these)

Rewrite with present continuous: "The population of the world increases very fast."

The population of the world is increasing very fast.

How would you ask about progress in someone’s language skills using the present continuous?

Is your English getting better?

Why can "I’m reading a really good book" be correct even if you aren’t reading at this exact second?

Because the present continuous can describe an activity that has started and is in progress around now, even if it’s not happening this moment.

Which form of the verb "work" fits: "The company I work for ___ doing so well this year"?

isn’t

Change to present continuous: "Kate wants to work in Italy, so she learns Italian."

Kate wants to work in Italy, so she’s learning Italian.

Choose the correct form: "It isn’t raining any more" or "It doesn’t rain any more" (to describe the current weather).

It isn’t raining any more.

Which units compare the present continuous with the present simple according to the notes?

Units 3–4