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Present Progressive / Continuous

The present progressive tense takes the form be + V ing.

The form of “be” is determined by the subject of the sentence.

She is listening.

They are sleeping.

I am going home.

In English, the present progressive is used to indicate actions happening at the time of speaking, or 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.

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

A: Honey, where are you?

B: I’m coming. Just let me put on my shoes.

Future (Note the presence of future time words.)

A: Are you going to the concert this weekend?

B: 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.

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Comments (4) Add Comment

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written by maria, March 07, 2008

I like it.

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written by Aida, March 26, 2008

I cannot tell you how useful your lessons and exercises are. As an EFL teacher, I don't always have time to prepare extra exercises, so I use the ones presented here. They are also very useful when tutoring students who need extra help.

Thank you for making this available!