How to Ask Questions in Present Continuous (Pre-A1 English) — Pre-A1 English grammar lesson by Langcom

How to Ask Questions in Present Continuous (Pre-A1 English)

Raúl Maguiña

Fundador da Langcom | Examinador dos exames de Cambridge e SIELE

setembro 7, 2026

PRÉ-A1✏️ Gramática⏱️ 4 min de leitura📅 Updated setembro 2026
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To ask questions in the Present Continuous, we change the word order: the be verb comes before the subject, followed by the main verb with -ing. This structure helps you ask about actions happening right now or around this moment. For example, to ask if someone is reading, you say Are you reading?, e não You are reading? This question form is very useful for daily conversations. You can ask about what people are doing, what is happening around you, or what plans are temporary. For instance, Is she working today? asks about a temporary work schedule. For more specific information, you can add a Wh- word at the beginning, like What are you eating? ou Where are they going? Always remember the be verb (am, is, are) is key to forming these questions correctly in English.

What is the Present Continuous?

The Present Continuous tense talks about actions happening now. It uses the be verb (am, is, are) and a verb with -ing.

Por exemplo:

  • I am studying.
  • She is listening.
  • They are playing.

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How do we make Yes/No questions?

To make a Yes/No question, we put the be verb first. This is for questions that can be answered with just Yes ou No.

The structure is:

  • Be verb + Subject + Verb-ing...?

Look at these examples:

  • Am I talking too fast?
  • Are you learning English?
  • Is he working right now?
  • Is she wearing a blue shirt?
  • Is it raining outside?
  • Are we going home soon?
  • Are they watching TV?

You can give short answers:

  • Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
  • Yes, you are. / No, you aren't.
  • Yes, he is. / No, he isn't.

How do we make Wh- questions?

For more information, we add a Wh- word before the be verb. Wh- words include What, Where, Why, Who, e How.

The structure is:

  • Wh- word + Be verb + Subject + Verb-ing...?

Here are some examples:

  • What are you doing?
  • Where is she going?
  • Why are they laughing?
  • Who is he talking to?

When do we use Present Continuous questions?

We use these questions for different situations:

  • Actions happening at the moment of speaking:
    Are you listening to me?
  • Temporary actions or situations:
    Is he living in London this month?
  • Plans for the near future (especially with time expressions):
    Are you meeting John tonight?
Present Continuous Question Structure
Be Verb Subject Verb + -ing Exemplo
Am I working Am I working?
Are you/we/they studying Are you studying?
Is he/she/it reading Is she reading?

Exemplos

  • Am I speaking clearly?
  • Are you studying English now?
  • Is he cooking dinner?
  • Is she reading a book?
  • Is it raining heavily?
  • Are we watching a good movie?
  • Are they playing football?
  • What are you wearing today?
  • Where is he going after work?
  • Why are they shouting?

Prática

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Erros comuns entre falantes de espanhol

Os falantes de espanhol às vezes cometem estes erros:

  • Incorrect Word Order: You might put the subject before the be verb, like in a statement.
    • Errado: You are working?
    • Direita: Are you working?
  • Missing 'be' verb: Esquecendo o be verb (am, is, are) is a common error.
    • Errado: She reading a book?
    • Direita: Is she reading a book?
  • Missing '-ing': The main verb must always have -ing.
    • Errado: Are you study English?
    • Direita: Are you studying English?

Perguntas frequentes

What is the basic structure for Present Continuous questions?

The basic structure is Be verb + Subject + Verb-ing...? Por exemplo, Are you listening?

Can I use 'do' or 'does' with Present Continuous questions?

No, you do not use do ou does with the Present Continuous. You only use the be verb (am, is, are). For example, Do you are working? is incorrect. The correct way is Are you working?

How do I give short answers to Present Continuous questions?

You use Yes ou No, followed by the subject and the correct be verb. For example: Are you happy? Yes, I am. ou Is he sleeping? No, he isn't.

Aulas relacionadas

Sobre o autor: Raúl Maguiña

Raúl Maguiña é diretor da Asociación Educativa Langcom, um centro autorizado de preparação para o Cambridge English em seu país. Com mais de uma década de experiência no ensino de idiomas e em certificações internacionais, ele já ajudou milhares de alunos, professores e instituições de ensino em 25 países a obter as certificações de inglês da Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL e Michigan.

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