In this unit, we move from daily routines to what people are doing right now—or at least during a specific moment in time—using the present continuous tense. You’ll learn how to describe current actions, make short-term plans, and talk about what’s happening around you or in photos, videos, and conversations.
We’ll explore vocabulary related to free time, sports, and hobbies, and examine how the present continuous differs from the present simple. You'll also learn expressions of time like right now, at the moment, and these days, and how to use the present continuous to make arrangements and describe scenes or actions in progress. This unit helps you bring energy and immediacy to your English, making your conversations more dynamic and real-time.

10.1 VOCABULARY: HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Objective:
To learn and use essential vocabulary related to hobbies, sports, and leisure activities, including how to talk about frequency, personal preferences, and group vs. individual pastimes.

🔹 COMMON HOBBIES AND FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES
Category    Examples
Creative hobbies    painting, drawing, writing, photography, knitting
Indoor activities    reading, playing chess, watching movies, cooking
Outdoor activities    gardening, hiking, cycling, birdwatching
Social hobbies    playing board games, going to concerts, clubbing
DIY & crafts    sewing, woodworking, building models, scrapbooking
✅ Use verbs like do, go, or play depending on the hobby:
do yoga, go hiking, play chess

🔸 COMMON SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Team Sports    Individual Sports    Other Physical Activities
football (soccer), basketball, volleyball    tennis, swimming, running, golf    martial arts, dancing, skiing, climbing
✅ Use play for ball games and team sports: play football
✅ Use go + -ing for many physical hobbies: go swimming, go jogging
✅ Use do for non-ball sports and general fitness: do yoga, do karate

🔹 TALKING ABOUT FREQUENCY
Expression    Example
every day / weekend    I go jogging every morning.
once / twice a week    She plays tennis twice a week.
three times a month    We go to the theatre three times a month.
in my free time / after work    I read a lot in my free time.
rarely / sometimes / often    He rarely plays video games.
✅ Combine time expressions and frequency adverbs for fluency.

🔸 EXPRESSING PREFERENCES AND OPINIONS
Expression    Example
I love / enjoy / like    I enjoy cooking and listening to music.
I don’t like / hate / can’t stand    I can’t stand doing puzzles.
I’m into… / I’m a fan of…    I’m really into hiking.
My favourite… is…    My favourite hobby is photography.
I prefer X to Y    I prefer reading to watching TV.

🔹 DESCRIBING ACTIVITIES
Verb Phrase    Example
hang out with friends    We hang out at the mall on weekends.
take part in a club / group    She takes part in a local drama club.
train / practice    They practice basketball every Tuesday.
relax / unwind    I relax by playing guitar.
be interested in…    I’m interested in film editing.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I make yoga every day.    I do yoga every day.    Use “do” with yoga
He goes to swim on Sundays.    He goes swimming on Sundays.    Use “-ing” form after “go”
She plays karate.    She does karate.    “Karate” is not a ball sport
I like very much reading.    I really like reading.    Correct adverb placement
I practice sport every day.    I do sports every day. / I exercise every day.    Use “do” or “exercise”, not “practice” for general fitness

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Liam: What do you usually do after work?
Sophie: I like going for a walk or watching a series. Sometimes I do yoga.
Liam: Nice. I usually play football on Wednesdays and go swimming on the weekend.
Sophie: That sounds great. I prefer individual sports—I’m not a fan of team games.
Liam: Fair enough. I like both, but I need to be active.
Sophie: Same here. It helps me relax.

10.2 PRESENT CONTINUOUS: AFFIRMATIVE, NEGATIVE, QUESTIONS
Objective:
To form and use the present continuous tense in affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms to describe actions happening right now or temporary situations.

🔹 FORMING THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + verb (-ing)
Subject    Auxiliary    Example
I    am    I am cooking dinner.
You / We / They    are    They are watching a movie.
He / She / It    is    She is reading a book.
✅ The verb “to be” changes depending on the subject.
✅ Add -ing to the base verb.

🔸 SPELLING RULES FOR -ING
Verb Type    Rule / Example
Most verbs    add -ing: play → playing
Verb ending in -e    drop -e: make → making
One-syllable verbs ending consonant-vowel-consonant    double final consonant: run → running
Verbs ending in -ie    change to -ying: die → dying

🔹 AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES
Example Sentences
I’m studying English right now.
He’s cooking dinner.
They are playing football in the park.
We’re working on a new project this week.
✅ Often used with now, at the moment, right now, currently, this week/month.

🔸 NEGATIVE SENTENCES
Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing
Example Sentences
I’m not watching TV.
She isn’t eating breakfast.
They aren’t working today.
We’re not studying at the moment.
✅ Use isn’t / aren’t / am not to form negatives.

🔹 QUESTIONS
Yes/No Questions:
Am / Is / Are + subject + verb-ing?
Example Questions    Short Answers
Are you listening?    Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.
Is she coming?    Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t.
Are they working?    Yes, they are. / No, they aren’t.
Wh- Questions:
Wh- + am/is/are + subject + verb-ing?
Example
What are you doing?
Where is he going?
Why are they laughing?

🧠 USES OF PRESENT CONTINUOUS
1.    Actions happening now
→ I’m talking to you right now.
2.    Temporary situations
→ He’s living in London this month.
3.    Future arrangements (see Unit 10.5)
→ We’re meeting at 6 p.m.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
She is watch TV.    She is watching TV.    “watch” needs -ing
Are you go to the party?    Are you going to the party?    Present continuous = verb-ing
I no am working.    I am not working.    “no” is incorrect in this context
He don’t playing.    He isn’t playing.    Wrong auxiliary and verb form

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Emma: What are you doing right now?
Jake: I’m working on a presentation. And you?
Emma: I’m cooking dinner. Are you coming over later?
Jake: I don’t know yet. Is Sarah going too?
Emma: No, she isn’t. She’s staying home tonight.
Jake: Okay. I might come by after I finish this.

10.3 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRESENT SIMPLE AND PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Objective:
To compare and contrast the present simple and present continuous tenses, understanding their different uses, time references, and sentence structures.

🔹 PRESENT SIMPLE: OVERVIEW
Use Case    Example
Regular habits and routines    I go to the gym every Monday.
General truths and facts    Water boils at 100°C.
Timetables / scheduled events    The train leaves at 9 a.m.
Permanent situations    She lives in Barcelona.
✅ Key words: always, usually, often, sometimes, every day, on Mondays

🔸 PRESENT CONTINUOUS: OVERVIEW
Use Case    Example
Actions happening right now    I’m watching TV right now.
Temporary actions or situations    He’s working from home this week.
Future arrangements (Unit 10.5)    We’re meeting at 7 p.m.
Changing or developing situations    More people are using electric cars.
✅ Key words: now, at the moment, currently, this week, today

🔹 COMPARING STRUCTURE
Present Simple    Present Continuous
She works in a bank.    She is working late today.
They play tennis on Sundays.    They are playing tennis now.
Do you speak French?    Are you speaking French now?
He doesn’t like coffee.    He isn’t drinking coffee today.
✅ Present simple: base verb / -s for 3rd person
✅ Present continuous: am/is/are + verb-ing

🔸 TEMPORARY VS. PERMANENT
Type    Example
Permanent (simple)    I live in Madrid. (I live there regularly.)
Temporary (cont.)    I’m staying in Madrid for a few days. (Just now)

🔹 HABITS VS. RIGHT NOW
Habitual (Simple)    Now / Temporary (Continuous)
He reads every night.    He’s reading a book right now.
We eat dinner at 8 p.m.    We’re eating out tonight.
I work from home.    I’m working from a café today.

🧠 QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Present Simple    Present Continuous
Repeated actions    Actions in progress now
General statements    Temporary situations
Scheduled (e.g. classes, transport)    Future arrangements
Stative verbs (usually)    Dynamic actions

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I watch a movie now.    I’m watching a movie now.    Use present continuous for “now”
He is always go to the gym.    He always goes to the gym.    Present simple for routine
They play football right now.    They are playing football right now.    Action is in progress
I’m speak English.    I’m speaking English. / I speak English.    Depends on context

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Nina: Do you work from home?
Mark: Usually, yes. I work from home during the week.
Nina: And today?
Mark: Today I’m working from a café because there’s no internet at home.
Nina: Makes sense. I’m not working today—I’m taking a day off.
Mark: Lucky you! I rarely take time off.

10.4 TALKING ABOUT ACTIONS HAPPENING NOW
Objective:
To use the present continuous tense and relevant time expressions to describe actions happening right now, and to distinguish between immediate actions and short-term ongoing activities.

🔹 KEY GRAMMAR: PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Structure:
Subject + am / is / are + verb-ing
Example Sentences
I’m eating lunch right now.
She’s working on her laptop.
They’re having a meeting.
We’re not watching TV at the moment.
✅ Use this form to describe anything in progress as you speak.

🔸 TIME EXPRESSIONS FOR “NOW”
Expression    Example
now    I’m calling you now.
at the moment    We’re studying at the moment.
right now    He’s talking to his boss right now.
currently    She’s currently working on a new project.
today / this week    They’re staying with us this week.
✅ These help emphasize that the action is happening now or around now.

🔹 VERBS COMMONLY USED IN PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Action Type    Examples
Speaking / Communicating    talking, texting, emailing, calling
Movement    walking, driving, running, flying
Work / Study    working, studying, teaching, learning
Eating / Drinking    eating, drinking, cooking
Entertainment    watching, playing, listening (to music)
✅ I’m listening to music and drinking tea.
✅ She’s reading a book on the sofa.

🔸 DESCRIBING WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING
Person / People    Present Continuous Example
My brother    My brother is playing video games.
The kids    The kids are doing their homework.
Your parents    Your parents are having lunch.
The teacher    The teacher is speaking to a student.
✅ Use "What’s he/she doing?" or "What are they doing?" to ask.

🧠 SENTENCE PATTERNS
I’m [verb-ing] right now.
She isn’t [verb-ing] at the moment.
Are they [verb-ing]?
What are you doing right now?

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
She working now.    She is working now.    Missing auxiliary “is”
I listen to music now.    I’m listening to music now.    Use present continuous
They not studying.    They’re not studying.    Contracted form or use “are not”
You cooking dinner?    Are you cooking dinner?    Question form needs “are”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Elena: What are you doing right now?
Jake: I’m cooking dinner and listening to a podcast.
Elena: Sounds relaxing. I’m just watching the news.
Jake: Is your brother home?
Elena: No, he’s playing football with his friends.
Jake: I wish I were doing that instead!

10.5 MAKING PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS
Objective:
To use the present continuous tense to talk about future arrangements, such as meetings, social plans, and appointments that have already been decided.

🔹 PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE PLANS
Structure:
Subject + am / is / are + verb-ing + future time reference
Example Sentences
I’m meeting Laura for lunch tomorrow.
We’re flying to Rome next week.
She’s having dinner with her parents tonight.
They’re coming over this weekend.
✅ Use this form when the plan is already arranged or confirmed, often with a specific time or date.

🔸 COMMON TIME EXPRESSIONS
Expression Type    Examples
Today / Tonight    I’m seeing the dentist today.
Tomorrow    We’re having dinner tomorrow night.
Specific day or date    He’s flying to Berlin on Friday.
Next week / weekend    They’re visiting us next weekend.
In the morning / afternoon / evening    She’s working late in the evening.
✅ Time reference is important to clarify that it’s a future plan, not something happening now.

🔹 DIFFERENCE FROM “WILL” OR “GOING TO”
Present Continuous    Going To / Will
I’m meeting John at 4. (already planned)    I’m going to meet John. (decided now)
She’s leaving on Monday. (arranged)    She will probably leave on Monday. (prediction)
They’re staying at a hotel. (confirmed)    They might stay at a hotel. (not confirmed)
✅ Use present continuous for fixed appointments and plans, often with other people.

🔸 MAKING AND CONFIRMING PLANS
Expression    Example
What are you doing…?    What are you doing tomorrow night?
Are you free…?    Are you free on Saturday?
I’m meeting…    I’m meeting Joe at 3 p.m.
We’re planning…    We’re planning a dinner on Friday.
Let’s meet…    Let’s meet at the park after lunch.
I’ve got something on…    Sorry, I’ve got something on Tuesday.

🧠 SENTENCE PATTERNS
I’m [verb-ing] + [time] → I’m having lunch with my boss at noon.
Are you [verb-ing] + [time]? → Are you working late tonight?
We’re not [verb-ing] on Saturday.
He isn’t coming this evening.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I go to the dentist tomorrow.    I’m going to the dentist tomorrow.    Present simple not used for plans
She meeting her friend tonight.    She’s meeting her friend tonight.    Missing “is”
Are you go to the party?    Are you going to the party?    Wrong auxiliary
I’m work late today.    I’m working late today.    Use verb + -ing

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Lucas: What are you doing this weekend?
Anna: I’m visiting my grandparents on Saturday. And you?
Lucas: I’m going to a concert on Friday night.
Anna: Sounds fun! Are you going with anyone?
Lucas: Yeah, I’m meeting Tom and Sara at the venue.
Anna: Nice. I’m free on Sunday if you want to meet.
Lucas: Great! Let’s plan something.

10.6 EXPRESSIONS OF TIME IN THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Objective:
To use time expressions that commonly accompany the present continuous tense, helping to clearly indicate when temporary actions or current activities are happening.

🔹 TIME EXPRESSIONS COMMONLY USED
Expression    Use Example
now    I’m studying now.
right now    She’s calling you right now.
at the moment    We’re not working at the moment.
currently    They’re currently living abroad.
this morning / afternoon / evening    He’s working late this evening.
today    I’m not cooking today.
tonight    We’re going out tonight.
this week / month    I’m staying with my sister this week.
✅ These expressions make it clear the action is happening now or around now, not habitual.

🔸 USING TIME EXPRESSIONS IN SENTENCES
Position in Sentence    Example
Beginning of sentence    Right now, I’m talking to my boss.
End of sentence    She’s doing her homework at the moment.
In the middle (after subject)    He’s currently taking piano lessons.
✅ Flexible placement, but avoid interrupting verb phrases.

🔹 COMBINING TIME AND PRESENT CONTINUOUS
They’re staying with us this weekend.
I’m working from home today.
We’re not watching TV right now.
Is she coming to class tonight?
He’s not feeling well this morning.
✅ Use time expressions to give clarity and avoid confusion with other tenses.

🧠 CONTRAST WITH PRESENT SIMPLE
Present Simple    Present Continuous
I go to the gym on Mondays.    I’m going to the gym this morning.
She always walks to work.    She’s walking today because the car broke down.
✅ Present continuous + time = temporary, non-routine, or in-progress.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I’m go to the cinema now.    I’m going to the cinema now.    Wrong verb form
She working in this moment.    She’s working at the moment.    Wrong time phrase
We are study now.    We are studying now.    Verb needs -ing
Currently she live in Paris.    She’s currently living in Paris.    Present continuous required

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Isla: Are you busy right now?
Matt: Yeah, I’m currently working on a report.
Isla: I’ll call back later then.
Matt: Thanks. I’m finishing it this afternoon.
Isla: No problem. I’m studying at the moment too.
Matt: Good luck! Talk to you tonight.

10.7 TALKING ABOUT WEATHER AND ACTIVITIES
Objective:
To describe the weather using present continuous and descriptive expressions, and to connect weather conditions with current or planned activities.

🔹 TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER
Expression    Example
It’s raining.    It’s raining, so I’m staying inside.
It’s snowing.    Look! It’s snowing outside.
The sun is shining.    The sun is shining and the sky is clear.
It’s cloudy.    It’s cloudy but not too cold.
It’s windy.    It’s really windy today.
It’s foggy.    Be careful—it’s foggy this morning.
It’s stormy.    It’s stormy tonight—stay indoors!
✅ Use “It’s + adjective” or “It’s + verb-ing” for weather in progress.

🔸 WEATHER-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Weather Condition    Common Activities
Sunny / warm    go for a walk, have a picnic, go cycling
Rainy    stay inside, watch movies, read
Snowy    go skiing, build a snowman, drink hot chocolate
Windy    fly a kite, avoid going to the beach
Cloudy / cool    go shopping, visit a museum, go for coffee
✅ Use weather to justify present continuous actions:
It’s raining, so we’re not going out.
It’s sunny—we’re having lunch outside.

🔹 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WEATHER
Question Type    Example Question
General    What’s the weather like?
Current condition    Is it raining right now?
Future plans + weather    Are you going out if it’s snowing?
Weather and decisions    Are they still hiking if it’s stormy?

🔸 VOCABULARY: TEMPERATURE AND FEELINGS
Description    Example
hot / warm    It’s hot today—we’re going to the beach.
cool / cold    It’s cold outside. I’m wearing a scarf.
freezing    It’s freezing! We’re staying in tonight.
humid    It’s really humid—we’re not doing much.
✅ Talk about clothes or activities in response to weather:
I’m wearing a jacket—it’s chilly.

🧠 CONNECTING WEATHER AND PRESENT CONTINUOUS
It’s snowing, and the kids are playing outside.
We’re having a barbecue because the weather is great.
She’s not running today because it’s too windy.
They’re watching a movie while it rains.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
It rains now.    It’s raining now.    Use present continuous for current weather
Is snowing.    It is snowing.    Missing subject “It”
It’s very sun.    It’s very sunny.    Use adjective, not noun
There is a lot of hot.    It’s very hot.    Use “It is” for weather, not “There is”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
James: Are you going outside today?
Lila: No way—it’s raining really hard right now.
James: Yeah, I’m staying in too. I’m watching a series.
Lila: Good idea. It’s a perfect day to relax indoors.
James: Exactly. Let me know if it stops—I might go for a walk later.

10.8 DESCRIBING WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING
Objective:
To describe the ongoing actions of other people using the present continuous, focusing on detailed, natural-sounding sentences and context-rich vocabulary.

🔹 DESCRIBING PEOPLE’S ACTIONS
Subject    Present Continuous Example
I    I’m writing a message.
He / She    She’s cooking dinner. / He’s listening to music.
We / They    We’re talking about our weekend plans.
Someone / People    People are waiting in line.
✅ Always use the correct form of “be”: is / are / am

🔸 VERBS COMMONLY USED IN PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Action Type    Examples
Communication    talking, chatting, texting, presenting
Movement    walking, running, dancing, driving
Daily routines    eating, drinking, cleaning, shopping
Work/study tasks    studying, writing, reading, working
Use of tech    typing, scrolling, watching, recording
✅ He’s reading the news on his phone.
✅ They’re working on a group project.

🔹 ADDING DETAIL AND CLARITY
Add this...    To Say...
Time    She’s doing homework right now.
Place    They’re playing outside.
Object    He’s fixing the printer.
Reason / cause    She’s calling because she needs help.
✅ Use full expressions to sound natural:
They’re watching a movie at home this evening.

🔸 ASKING ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING
Question    Example
What is he/she doing?    What’s she doing right now?
What are they doing?    What are the kids doing in the kitchen?
Who is cooking dinner?    Who’s making that smell in the kitchen?
✅ Use contractions in casual speech: What’re you doing?

🧠 COMBINING MULTIPLE ACTIONS
He’s cooking and listening to music.
They’re playing games while it rains.
I’m working on a report and checking emails at the same time.
✅ Use and, while, or at the same time to connect actions.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
He playing football.    He is playing football.    Missing “is”
They is watching TV.    They are watching TV.    Subject-verb agreement
She’s cook now.    She’s cooking now.    Use verb + -ing
What do she doing?    What is she doing?    Question structure needs auxiliary

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Ethan: What’s Mia doing?
Leah: She’s talking to her friend on the phone.
Ethan: And the twins?
Leah: They’re playing a game in the living room.
Ethan: Sounds peaceful.
Leah: For now! I’m enjoying the quiet while it lasts.

10.9 UNIT 10 REVIEW
Objective:
To review the vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills from Unit 10, focusing on hobbies, present continuous tense, and describing actions happening now and future arrangements.

📘 WHAT YOU LEARNED IN THIS UNIT
🔹 VOCABULARY: HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND LEISURE
Indoor/outdoor hobbies: reading, painting, gardening, photography
Sports: football, tennis, running, yoga
Activity verbs: do yoga, play basketball, go hiking
Talking about preferences: I enjoy hiking. I don’t like team sports.

🔹 PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE
Structure: am/is/are + verb-ing
Affirmative: She’s studying English.
Negative: They’re not working today.
Questions: Are you watching TV?

🔹 COMPARING PRESENT SIMPLE VS. CONTINUOUS
Present simple = routines → He plays guitar every day.
Present continuous = current/temporary → He’s playing now.
Recognizing time expressions: always, every day vs. now, today, this week

🔹 TALKING ABOUT NOW
Actions in progress: I’m cooking dinner.
Temporary situations: She’s staying with her cousin.
Describing what others are doing: They’re playing football at the park.

🔹 MAKING PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS
Future plans with present continuous:
→ I’m meeting friends tomorrow.
→ We’re having dinner with our parents tonight.
Using time references: tonight, this weekend, on Friday

🔹 TIME EXPRESSIONS IN PRESENT CONTINUOUS
now, at the moment, right now, currently, today, this evening
Placement: start, middle, or end of sentence
Used to clarify temporary actions: I’m not working today.

🔹 TALKING ABOUT WEATHER AND ACTIVITIES
Weather verbs: It’s raining, snowing, the sun is shining
Describing conditions: It’s cold, hot, windy, cloudy
Connecting weather and plans: It’s sunny, so we’re eating outside.

🔹 DESCRIBING WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING
Use of “be + verb-ing” to describe others’ actions:
→ He’s listening to music.
→ They’re having lunch together.
Adding detail with place, object, and reason

🔹 LISTENING AND SPEAKING PRACTICE
Listening to instructions or live conversations using present continuous
Practicing dialogues:
→ What are you doing?
→ I’m studying and having a coffee.

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Tom: Are you doing anything tonight?
Alma: Yeah, I’m going to a friend’s house for dinner.
Tom: Nice. I’m just staying in and watching a movie.
Alma: Sounds good. What’s your brother up to?
Tom: He’s working late. He’s finishing a project this week.
Alma: Hope he gets to rest soon!