20. The Present Progressive Tense

English Explanations

1. Use the present progressive tense to talk about an action or situation that is happening at the moment of speaking. Use be + verb-ing to form the present progressive. Remember that present tense forms of be can often be shortened.

2. Remember that you use the present progressive tense to talk about an action or situation that is happening at the moment of speaking. Use the simple present tense to talk about an action or a situation that happens regularly, that usually happens, or that is always true.

3. To form a negative sentence with the present progressive tense, put not between be and verb-ing. Remember that all present tense forms of be + not can be shortened.

4. To form a yes/no question in the present progressive tense, use am/is/are + subject + verb-ing. To form a short answer to a yes/no question, use yes or no + subject + be (not). To form a question with a question word in the present progressive tense, use a question word + am/is/are + subject + verb-ing.

THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE

Statements

be + verb-ing She is reading a book. They are walking in the park.

Negatives

be + not + verb-ing He is not watching television. He isn't watching television.

Yes/No Questions and Short Answers

be + subject + verb-ing Are you working now? No, I'm not.

Questions with Question Word

question word + be + subject + verb -ing How are you doing?

The Present Progressive vs. the Simple Present

Present Progressive: used to describe an action that is happening now He is eating lunch now. Simple Present: used to describe an action that happens regularly, that usually happens, or that is always true I often go to that restaurant.