Je suis en train de lire un livre.
English: I am reading a book.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A0
- Unit
- Introduction aux temps
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
French uses the present tense or 'être en train de' to describe actions happening now.
When to use it
Use it for actions in progress at the moment of speaking.
Key forms
- subject + être en train de + infinitive
- Je suis en train de lire
- Tu es en train de manger
- Il/elle est en train de travailler
Examples
Elle est en train d'étudier.
English: She is studying right now.
Ils ne sont pas en train de travailler aujourd'hui.
English: They are not working today.
Es-tu en train de m'écouter ?
English: Are you listening to me?
Tips
- Use 'être en train de' for emphasis on an action happening right now.
- Otherwise, the simple present can also express ongoing actions in French.
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