Present and past continuous tense

present tense of 'to be' with the present participle

am/is/are + verb + ing

John is speaking

The students are studying for a test at the moment.

Carol is interviewing the applicant now.

I am having lunch.

Carla is exploring the countries of South America.

They are studying in China.

Usually, they are selecting the new cohort in June.

The students are usually eating lunch at twelve.

I am meeting the train at 2 pm tomorrow.

Cassandra and Timothy are marrying in June.

past tense of the verb 'to be' with the present participle

was/were + verb + ing

Paul was hurrying to meet his parents

The explorers were sailing for five months.

Kevin was studying for five years in Cuba.

They were addressing the students when the fight started.

The campers were hiking when they heard a bear.

The dog was growling while the cat was playing with a mouse.

The students were reading while the teacher was marking papers.

I was wondering whether you could help me with the dishes.

I was wondering whether you could do my homework.