Present Progressive Tense

English uses the concept of tense to communicate an action’s place in time. For example, in the sentence James threw the ball to first base, the infinitive verb “to throw” is written in the past tense to let us know that this action occurred in the past as opposed to the present or the future.

The tenses have both progressive and nonprogressive forms to further specify a tense’s action as well. Compare the following sentences:

James is throwing the ball to first base.

James throws the ball to first base.

Each sentence gives us a nuanced idea about the timing of the action. The first sentence (progressive) tells us that the action is happening at this moment. In the second sentence (nonprogressive), the action could be instant, but we are not certain if it is happening now. The nonprogressive could be used to tell a narrative in the present tense even though the action is not presently taking place.

English uses the present progressive tense for actions that are happening now, that are simultaneous or in continual progress, or that will occur in the future (often soon). In our examples above, we know the sentence James is throwing the ball to first base is in the present progressive because it communicates an action that is happening now.

Let’s look at some more examples of sentences written with the present progressive:

Danielle is trying to get there on time while (she is) driving the speed limit. (The action is happening now; the text “she is” is enclosed to indicate it can be omitted as understood.)

When I am in the basement, I am usually lifting weights. (two actions at the same time)

You are studying for an MBA. (action in progress beyond the present moment)

I am starting a new job tomorrow. (The action will occur soon.)

Forming the Present Progressive Tense

You might have already started to notice a pattern or tendency in how the present progressive is written: e.g., is trying, am lifting, are studying.

The present progressive is formed with a present-tense conjugation of the verb to be (am, is, are) followed by the present participle of the main verb. The present participle is simply the verb plus the ending -ing: trying, lifting, studying.

For verbs that end in -e, we remove the e and add -ing: hike > hiking, ride > riding. If the verb ends in -ie, we remove the ie and add y plus -ing: lie > lying, vie > vying.

If the verb has a single or final syllable that is consonant-vowel-consonant, we double the last consonant and add -ing: drum > drumming, sublet > subletting.

Examples

Stephanie is trying to teach herself Spanish.

We are hiking in Big Bear Valley next week.

The two teams are vying for the football conference championship.

It seems like Thomas is always drumming his fingers on the table.

Present Progressive Passive Tense

The present progressive tense can also be expressed in the passive voice. The present progressive passive is formed with a present-tense conjugation of the verb to be (am, is, are) followed by the present participle of the verb to be (being) and the past participle of the main verb.

verb	present tense to be	present participle to be	past participle main verb
to see	am	being	seen
to study	are	being	studied
to test	is	being	tested

Examples

I am being seen by a doctor next month.

Those rocks are being studied by geologists.

The new mouthwash is being tested by a focus group.

Related Topics

What Is a Past Participle?
Expressing Possession of Gerunds
Present Perfect Tense

Pop Quiz

Form the verb in each sentence into either the present progressive tense or the present progressive passive tense as indicated.

1. The vintner (to produce) two new varietals this year. (present progressive)

2. You (to go) to New Zealand for an apprenticeship after graduation, correct? (present progressive)

3. The old farmyard (to overrun) by stray coyotes. (present progressive passive)

4. I (to try) rock climbing as a new way to push my endurance. (present progressive)

5. The terms (to set) in the last round of negotiations. (present progressive passive)

 

Pop Quiz Answers

1. The vintner is producing two new varietals this year.

2. You are going to New Zealand for an apprenticeship after graduation, correct?

3. The old farmyard is being overrun by stray coyotes.

4. I am trying rock climbing as a new way to push my endurance.

5. The terms are being set in the last round of negotiations.

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