A. Talking about actions that continue at the time of speaking

  She is driving to work.

  They are working on the farm

Kate is doing homework, don’t disturb her

Where is Alex – he is having a bath ( NOTE: ‘have‘ has many different meanings)

Let’s go out now it isn’t raining (Not, rain is not coming)

She is tired, she is going to bed.

 Let’s go out now. It isn’t raining any more. (not ‘it doesn’t rain’)

 Hello, Albert are you having fun? (at a party)

 B. Sometimes the action may not be happening at the time of speaking

 She is reading a novel (from the past week)

John is learning German at a local school.

Elisabeth is working hard, yes she has a lot to study

 C. To describe changes happening around us

The prices of cars are going up

The Global temperature is increasing at an alarming rate

Sarah’s French is getting better.

D. To describe Planned action

I am meeting the Principal tomorrow morning

The president is visiting the city tonight.

Grammar

I + am

we/you/they + are

He/Sh/It + is

Who (singular) + is

Who (plural) + are