Present Progressive (Present Continous)

This tense focuses on the moment of speaking. It is used also when for actions taking place only for a short period of time and to express development and actions that are arranged for the near future. The following image expresses this usages:

FORM: Use a form of to be and the infinitive verb* plus -ing.

(infinitive verbs: walk, talk, read, speak...)

Contracted forms:

I + am = I'm

is + not = isn't

are + not = aren't

he + is = he's

she + is = she's

it + is= it's

Uses:

1. Present Actions:

• My father is watching the game.
• I am working now, can we talk later?

2. Temporary Actions:

• I'm crying because my dog bite me!
• Linda is not playing with Julio until he apologizes.

3. Longer actions in progress

• I'm studying really hard to become an engineer some day.
• Andrea is currently working on a blog.

4. Future and personal arrangement and plans:

• Otto and I are going to the movies this evening.
• I'm meeting with Ms. Martínez this morning.

5. Tendencies and trends:

• The Guatemalan U-20 soccer team is getting better.
• Our incomes are increasing.

6. Irritation and anger:

• The baby is always crying!
• You are constantly yelling at me!

7. Questions: (note the order of the words)

• Are you going to help me with my math homework?
• Is my dad playing Wii?
• Am I strong enough?

8. Negative statements:

To understand negative statements in present progressive, take a look at this animation (thanks to English with cartoons):

Try to do the next exercise and look for the answers in the comments section (thanks to ego4u):

Affirmative / Negative / Question

1. I am working. _________ ___________

2. You are jumping. _________ ___________

3. _________ He is not dreaming. _________

4. _________ _________ Is she sleeping?

5. It is snowing. _________ _________

6. _________ _________ Are we singing?

7. _________ You are not fighting. _________

8. _________ _________ Are they reading?