The present progressive tense takes the form be + V ing.
The form of be is determined by the subject of the sentence.
| He eats. |
| He is singing. |
| She is listening. |
| They are sleeping. |
| I am going home. |
Present Progressive Tense
In English, the present progressive is used to indicate actions happening at the time of speaking, or right now.
| Jake is speaking to his mother right now. |
| Please keep quiet. The baby is sleeping. |
The present progressive can also be used to indicate actions occurring over a period of time which includes the present.
| I’m taking five classes at the university. |
| Grace is working at a chemical factory. |
| What are you doing these days? |
The present progressive is sometimes used to indicate ongoing, developing, imminent or future actions.
| ONGOING |
| Don’t bother Mr. Grumpy while he is watching the football game. |
| DEVELOPING |
| I’m beginning to like this place!. |
| IMMINENT |
| Q: Honey, where are you?. |
| A: I’m coming. Just let me put on my shoes. |
| Future (Note the presence of future time words.) |
| Q: Are you going to the concert this weekend?. |
| A: I wish I could, but I’m meeting an important client from Oklahoma. |
Some non-action verbs do not occur in the present progressive tense. The simple present is sufficient.
For Conversation practice :
Situations : Talking about here and now
For an example of this in context, see
Writing : Describing Action in Progress
See also :
Speaking : Talking about here and now
Present Continuous (from Englishpage.com)
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