In French, Le Présent (Indicatif) (je fais, tu manges...) is used to express both the English Present tense (I do, you eat...) and the English Continuous Present tense (I am doing, you are eating...).
Indeed, there is no equivalent French tense for the English Continuous Present (I am doing, you are eating...). Instead you can use the expression "être en train de" in Le Présent.
How to use 'être en train de' for ongoing actions in Le Présent (Indicatif) in French
Now look at these sentences:
Où est Lucie ? - Elle est en train de faire ses devoirs dans sa chambre.Where is Lucie? - She is doing her homework in her room.
Je ne peux pas répondre, je suis en train de prendre ma douche !I can't answer, I'm having my shower!
Note that in French, when you want to put the emphasis on the progression of the action, you can use the following expression:
être in Le Présent (Indicatif) + en train de + [infinitive]
It literally means "to be in the process of [doing]".
être in Le Présent (Indicatif) + en train de + [infinitive]
It literally means "to be in the process of [doing]".
Also see Expressing ongoing actions in the past in French: être en train de
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
