Definition / Explanation
To make negatives in the present continuous, add not after am/is/are. To make questions, move am/is/are before the subject. The main verb stays in the -ing form in both negatives and questions. This structure helps us ask about actions happening now or say that something is not happening now. Short forms like isn't and aren't are very common in everyday English.
Key Rules
- Negative form: I am not working, he is not working, they are not working.
- Short forms are common: isn't, aren't.
- Question form: Are you working? / Is she coming?
- Put am/is/are before the subject in questions.
- Use short answers: Yes, I am. / No, he isn't.
Examples
- Are you waiting for me?
- Is he listening to the teacher?
- I am not wearing a jacket.
- She isn't coming today.
- Are they staying here tonight?
Common Mistakes
- ❌ You are waiting for me? -> ✅ Are you waiting for me?
- ❌ He not is listening. -> ✅ He isn't listening.
- ❌ I am not wear a jacket. -> ✅ I am not wearing a jacket.