The Present Progressive Tense

Talking about dynamic ongoing activities happening at a specific present time only

The Present Progressive tense (or Present Continuous) is a much-used verb tense in English that describes on-going actions at the moment of speaking, stressing that the doer is in the middle of the activity and hasn’t finished yet (the action is incomplete). It is used to refer to a temporary dynamic activity occurring at a specific time in the present, not on a regular basis. To know more, read these sections of our grammar review on the Present Progressive in English.

1. Slogan

2. Usages

3. Form

4. Common time expressions

5. Negative statements and questions types

6. Summary

1. Slogan: “I am in the middle of doing something, please don’t disturb !” or

“It doesn’t happen all the time”

The slogans encapsulate the basic meaning of the Present Progressive, so use it when hesitating about what verb form to choose in your English writing. Remembering one short slogan can help you navigate through all the grammar rules it relates to.

2. Usages:

Read through the table and try to understand the connection between the usages and the slogan.

Watch out !

• If the action occurs regularly and not only now/today/this month, you need the Present Simple tense (I clean the house once a week.)

Ron usually rides his bike to work, but today he is taking a bus.

[ rides is in the Present Simple because it refers to a regular habit, is taking is in the Present Progressive because it refers to a one-time change in the routine, pertaining only to today]

• Stative verbs ( appear, realize, love, sound) are more commonly used with simple tenses rather than with progressive tenses.

Advanced Usage of the Present Progressive:

Use

4. complaining about actions regularly repeated

Examples

• She is always losing her books.

• My grandfather is forever telling us about his teenage adventures.

Explanation

• for actions repeating themselves regularly, with which you are not satisfied.

3. Form

The Present Progressive verb is a compound verb, composed of the auxiliary to be, which agrees with the subject in form, and the present participle (Ving). Make sure you do not forget the auxiliary verb.

Remember: V1=base form, V2=Past Simple, V3=Past Participle, Ving=Present Participle

Watch out !

Remember to use the 2-part Present Progressive verb with the correct form of to be to agree with the subject.

4. Common Time Expressions

The Present Progressive is used with time expressions (in blue) informing that the action is taking place around now, today, this week etc., and is of temporary nature.

5. Negative Statements and Question Types in the Present Progressive

Negative Statements:

The 3 Question Types:

1. Yes/No Questions:

2. Wh Questions:

3. Wh Subject-Questions:

Watch out !

• In Wh subject-questions in the Present Progressive, the verb is always in the third person singular form, with is as an auxiliary verb.

6. Summary

This has been a review about the usage and formation of the Present Progressive tense in English grammar. It is mostly used to refer to live dynamic actions going on in present time within a framework of a limited time period. Reviewing the rules is not enough to make you use it properly. The more you pick it up in your reading, and more importantly, use it in your writing, the better you will use it.

Grammar Guide Index

Grammar Rules

Grammar Exercises

Parts of Speech - General Overview

Singular and Plural Nouns

English Adjectives - Basic Terms

English Verbs (Part 1) - Basic Terms

English Verbs (Part 2) - More Terms

The Verb To Be

Negative Sentences and Question Formation

The Irregular Verbs in English (Part 1)

The Irregular Verbs in English (Part 2)