Identify the sentence that is NOT an example of the present continuous tense:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The last chapter of our history book is very boring.
“Is” + a describing word (simple present of “be”):
- The present continuous is am / is / are + V-ing, where the -ing word is a verb showing an action in progress.
- In Option 3, “boring” is not an action.
- It is a describing word that tells what the chapter is like.
- “Very” before it shows this, because “very” goes with describing words, not with verbs.
- So “is” here is the simple present of “be”.
- Example: This film is very exciting.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Our neighbours are shifting to Pune next week. — Incorrect.
- This is the present continuous: are + V-ing (“are shifting”).
- It shows a fixed plan for the near future, but the tense is still the present continuous.
Option 2: Dadi is always misplacing her reading glasses. — Incorrect.
- This is the present continuous: is + V-ing (“is misplacing”).
- With “always”, it shows a habit that annoys the speaker.
Option 4: The children are playing kho-kho in the park. — Incorrect.
- This is the present continuous: are + V-ing (“are playing”).
- It shows an action going on now.