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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 (10) Add Comment

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written by maria, March 07, 2008

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written by Aida, March 26, 2008

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written by Marilyn, July 22, 2008

Well I think is a good idea that you explain about the
different tenses because many people need learn english

Thank so much

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written by tonny, August 01, 2008

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written by Milannie, November 01, 2008

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written by alia_job, December 26, 2008

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Present Progressive
written by Alice, February 19, 2009

Hi, would like to know which is the correct sentences.
1. John and I am going to school.
2. John and I are going to school.
Thanks.

Answer for the question
written by Sergio Daniel Martínez, February 26, 2009

The best option is John and I are going to school
It is because remember that you are using two persons. In this particular case you have I and John. The personal pronoun for I and John is They. So the auxiliary here would be are.