Present Progressive / Continuous

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 : - He is singing. - 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 : - 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 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.