Present Continuous – Part 2

Present Continuous - Part 2 Espresso English

I’m not working at the moment. I’m on vacation!

Use the present continuous to talk about things happening now, at the moment.

Negative

To form the present continuous negative, use subject + (to be) + not + verb + -ing

I am not (I’m not) listening to music.
He / She / It is not (isn’t) listening to music.
You / We / They are not (aren’t)  listening to music.

 
Examples:

  • I am not working at the moment.
  • She is not wearing a hat today.
  • You are not listening to the teacher.
  • Pete and Jan are not watching TV.

There are two ways to make the short form:

She‘s not wearing a hat today.
She isn’t wearing a hat today.

You‘re not listening to the teacher.
You aren’t listening to the teacher.

Both forms are OK!

Except with “I”:

I amn’t working at the moment.
I‘m not working at the moment. 

Be careful! Some verbs are never used in the present continuous:

like, want, need, believe, understand.

I’m not understanding the lesson.
I don’t understand the lesson.

My brother is needing to study.
My brother needs to study.


Quiz: Present Continuous - Negative

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Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
I'm not feeling well. I think it was something I ate.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 2
They're at the party, but they're not dancing.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 3
Paula's not wearing sunglasses.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 4
Brian isn't eat anything because he just had lunch.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 4 Explanation: 
Brian isn't eating anything because he just had lunch.
Question 5
I not reading any books at the moment.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 5 Explanation: 
I'm not reading any books at the moment.
Question 6
Tom and Tiffany isn't playing video games now.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 6 Explanation: 
Tom and Tiffany aren't playing video games now.
Question 7
My team isn't playing very well in this game.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 8
He no making dinner.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 8 Explanation: 
He's not making dinner.
Question 9
We're not drinking wine because we have to drive home soon.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 10
You're not listen to me.
A
Correct
B
Incorrect
Question 10 Explanation: 
You're not listening to me.
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There are 10 questions to complete.

 

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Present Continuous - Part 2 Espresso English

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