Present continuous is used in 2 ways. It tells what is happening now or what is happening in the future.
In the previous lessons, we learned about making sentences and yes/no questions with the present continuous. We can also make questions with the question words. These words are who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Follow this pattern to make questions in the present continuous verb tense.
Question Word + be verb + subject + verb(-ing)…?
We can also make questions with “what + noun” or “which + noun”.
We can also make questions with “how many” and “how much”.
Remember that sometimes “what” or “who” can be the subject of the sentence. The noun in “how many + noun..” can also be the subject of a sentence. These question patterns will look like this.
Who + be verb + verb(-ing)…?
What + be verb + verb(-ing)…?
How many + noun(s) + verb(-ing)…?
Remember that practice makes perfect.
Example Questions
English Conversation 1
A) What are you doing?
B) I am finding out how to cook steak.
A) Why? Are you cooking steak tonight?
B) Not tonight. I am cooking steak for Sharon’s birthday. I want to surprise her.
English Conversation 2
A) Where are you going on your vacation?
B) My wife and I are going to Mexico.
A) Are you taking your kids?
B) No, we aren’t taking the kids. My wife’s parents are watching the kids when we go.
A) That is nice of them. You should definitely do something to say thank you.
B) I know. I am planning on buying them some nice presents in Mexico.
Practice speaking English by finishing the questions below and then practice making your own questions. It is the best way to learn English and improve your English fluency fast!
Tip: Say the questions aloud. This will help you practice speaking English and improve your pronunciation and fluency.
What are you _______________?
What is he _______________?
What is she _______________ now?
What is she _______________ tonight?
Where is the boy _______________?
Where is your family _______________ this summer?
When is the show _______________?
Why are you _______________?
Why are you _______________ this weekend?
What time are you _______________?
