Basics: Present Continuous: correct answers
Jump to answers ↓Basics: Present Continuous - Form and Use (I am doing)
This challenge contains 15 questions at easy difficulty covering Present Continuous: Form and Use (I am doing). Test your knowledge with a mix of question formats!
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Correct answers
Question 1
Help Commander Zorg finish his observation report about human behavior by choosing the correct word for each blank.
The humans are staring at tiny glowing rectangles. I am watching them very closely, but they don't seem to notice me hovering outside their window.
The humans are staring at tiny glowing rectangles.
The subject "The humans" is plural, so we must use "are" followed by the present participle (-ing) to describe their current action (looking at their phones!).
I am watching them very closely...
The first-person pronoun "I" always takes the auxiliary "am" in the present continuous tense.
Question 2
The wind is getting stronger by the minute here in downtown! Look at the sky—even the local pigeons are flying backwards to escape the storm!
We use the present continuous to describe changing situations ("the wind is getting stronger") and actions happening in the moment ("pigeons are flying"). "Wind" is an uncountable noun so it takes the singular "is", while "pigeons" is plural and takes "are".
Question 3
Complete the wildlife documentary script by dropping the correct present continuous verbs into the narrator's notes.
Look closely at the riverbank. The crocodiles are sleeping in the sun, while a brave little bird is cleaning their teeth.
The crocodiles are sleeping in the sun...
Because "crocodiles" is a plural subject (they), we use the auxiliary verb "are" with the -ing verb to describe what they are currently doing.
...while a brave little bird is cleaning their teeth.
Because "a brave little bird" is a singular subject (it), we use the auxiliary verb "is" with the -ing verb.
Question 4
My apartment is flooded, so I am staying with my sister this week. Her terrifying cat is watching my every move right now!
The present continuous is perfect for temporary situations (like "staying with my sister this week") and actions happening right now (the cat "watching"). Use "am" with "I", and "is" with singular nouns like "cat".
Question 5
The correct answers are I am sleeping on an air mattress until my bed arrives. and My roommate is currently learning how to cook edible pasta.
We use the present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to talk about temporary situations and things happening around the present time, even if they aren't happening at this exact second! The simple present ("sleep" or "learns") is used for permanent habits or routines, not temporary ones.
Question 6
We are meeting the caterer tomorrow at noon. After that, Sarah is picking up the giant disco ball.
Did you know? We often use the present continuous to talk about fixed future plans and arrangements. "We" takes "are meeting", and "Sarah" (she) takes "is picking".
Question 7
The correct answers are The glowing liquid is getting brighter by the minute. and The bubbles are becoming larger and more unstable.
We often use the present continuous to talk about things that are changing, growing, or developing right now (like getting, becoming, growing).
The other two options are missing the "-ing" ending on the verbs (turning and rising).
Question 8
The professor is explaining the history of the potato, and my best friend is sleeping soundly next to me.
We use the present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to describe actions that are happening right now at the moment of speaking. Because "the professor" is singular (he/she/it), we use "is explaining." "My best friend" is also singular, so we use "is sleeping."
Question 9
Help the backpacker update their travel blog with the correct verb form.
Usually, I live in a spacious apartment in London, but this month I ___ in a tiny campervan in New Zealand.
The correct answer is am sleeping.
We use the present continuous to talk about temporary situations that contrast with a normal routine. The subject "I" takes the auxiliary verb "am".
Question 10
Choose the grammatically correct phrase to complete the nosy neighbor's phone call.
Look out your window! Why ___ a giant inflatable dinosaur down the street?
The correct answer is is Dave chasing.
To form a question in the present continuous, we invert the subject and the auxiliary verb "to be" (Question Word + am/is/are + Subject + verb-ing).
Question 11
Select the correct phrase to finish the aspiring chef's social media post.
After three weeks of setting off the fire alarm, my cooking skills ___ finally ___!
The correct answer is are ... improving.
The present continuous is used to talk about changing, growing, or developing situations. Since "skills" is plural, we use the auxiliary verb "are".
Question 12
The correct answers are The dog is running around with a slice of pizza! and Someone is hiding in the downstairs bathroom!
Watch out for spelling rules when adding "-ing"!
For short verbs ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant (like run or stop), we double the final consonant (running, stopping).
For verbs ending in a silent "e" (like hide or make), we drop the "e" before adding "-ing" (hiding, making).
Question 13
The correct answers are The majestic beast is ignoring the expensive toy completely. and He is staring at a blank wall with intense concentration.
The present continuous is formed with the "to be" verb + an "-ing" verb.
"The cat are sleeping" is incorrect because "cat" is singular and needs "is".
"He is meow" is incorrect because it is missing the "-ing" ending on the main verb!
Question 14
Help Sam complete her frantic text message to her best friend by choosing the correct verb for each blank.
Right now, I am trying to study for my chemistry final, but my roommate is practicing the bagpipes in the living room!
Right now, I am trying to study for my chemistry final...
With the pronoun "I", we use the auxiliary verb "am" plus the -ing form of the main verb to describe an action happening right now.
...but my roommate is practicing the bagpipes in the living room!
For a singular third-person subject like "my roommate" (he/she), we use the auxiliary verb "is" plus the -ing form.
Question 15
Complete the frustrated student's text message to their best friend.
I can't hear myself think! My roommate ___ the tuba right now.
The correct answer is is playing.
We use the present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to describe actions that are happening right now at the moment of speaking. Because "roommate" is singular, we use the auxiliary verb "is".