1.2.1: Present Progressive
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Introducing the Present Progressive
Read and Learn
Directions: Read the story and pay attention to the verb forms in bold letters.
Today, Sarah is working on an important project for her class. She is focusing on her research at the moment because the deadline is approaching fast. This semester, she is taking four difficult courses, so she is studying more than usual. Her classmates are working with her, and they are meeting every week to discuss their progress.
These days, Sarah is spending a lot of time in the library. She is reading articles and writing her thesis chapter by chapter. At the moment, she is reviewing the latest data for her research. When the semester ends, she will have more time to relax, but for now, she is working hard.
Notice: Answer the questions about the verb forms in the story.
The verbs in bold letters are written in present progressive tense.
The form of the present progressive has two parts: ______________ and ________________
Fill in the chart with the uses of present progressive in the story in the first and second columns. Then copy the time expressions from the reading in the third column:
| Actions happening now | Actions happening around this time | Time Expressions |
|
|
Uses of the Present Progressive
The present progressive is used to talk about an action or situation that is in progress and happening right now. It started in the past and is probably going to continue into the future. We often use time expressions (signal words) to show this: right now, at the/this moment, now.
I am learning grammar right now.
Commentary: It is happening at this moment.
It also shows an action or situation that is continuing for a period around the present time. There are many expressions that show this: this week, this month, this year, this semester.
I am taking English classes this semester.
Commentary: It is happening around the present time.
The present progressive is also used to describe a change or temporary action.
I usually drive to school. This week, I am taking the bus.
Commentary: Notice that the simple present is used to talk about a habit/routine. The present progressive shows that there is a temporary change.
Time Expressions: Signals Words Used with the Present Progressive
We use time expressions to signal the time that the action is happening. Sometimes we call time expressions signal words.
- at the/this moment
- now
- right now
- this week/semester/month
At this moment, my family in Vietnam is eating dinner.
My husband is watching a football game right now.
This semester, I am taking three ESOL classes.
Notice in the examples above that time expressions used with the present progressive can come at the beginning of a sentence or at the end of a sentence.
Forms of the Present Progressive
To form the present progressive tense, you need two parts of the verb:
Auxiliary BE (am, is, are) + Present Participle (verb+ing)
| Subject | Auxiliary (Helping) Verb (BE) | Affirmative Contractions | Present Participle: Main Verb + -ing |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | I'm | writing. |
| He/ She/ It | is | He's /She's /It's | sleeping. |
| You/ We/ They | are | You're /We're / They're | watching. |
Spelling: Present Participle (-ing Verb Form)
Spelling in English can be difficult, but there are some rules to follow when forming the present participle.
Rule 1: If the base verb ends in a consonant + 1 vowel + consonant (CVC), double the consonant before adding -ing: hit → hitting. If there are two vowels between the consonants, do NOT double the last consonant: rain → raining.
| Base Verb | Present Participle |
|---|---|
| hit | hitting |
| plan | planning |
| run | running |
| sing | singing |
| help | helping |
Rule 2: NEVER double the consonants w, x, or y (e.g., playing). The n is usually not doubled when verbs end in -en (e.g., happening).
Rule 3: If the base verb ends in an -e, remove it before adding -ing.
| Base Verb | Present Participle |
|---|---|
| come | coming |
| ride | riding |
| dance | dancing |
| write | writing |
| leave | leaving |
Exercise 2.1: Complete the Table
Directions: Change the base verbs to the present participle. Use the spelling rules to help you.
| Base Verb | Present Participle |
|---|---|
| take | 1. |
| study | 2. |
| get | 3. |
| wait | 4. |
| give | 5. |
| listen | 6. |
| sit | 7. |
| pay | 8. |
| shop | 9. |
| make | 10. |
Exercise 2.2: Using the Present Progressive
Part 1 Directions: Complete the sentences with the correct form of the present progressive. Be sure and spell the verbs correctly as described above.
The present progressive has TWO parts: auxiliary BE and the present participle (the main verb + ing).
Viktor and Tatiana are new to the United States. They are students at San Jacinto College. They (1. take)_____________________ ESOL classes this
semester. They (2. study)______________________ English, so they can get jobs. They love their classes. Right now, they (3. walk)__________________ to the grocery store. It (4. rain) __________________ hard, so Viktor (5. hold)__________________ the umbrella to keep them dry.
Part 2 Directions: Now go back and choose (by underlining or otherwise marking) the time expressions. There are two.
Exercise 2.3: What are you doing now?
Directions: Think about what you are doing right now. Work with a partner to write three sentences using the present progressive and time expressions. Every sentence should have a time expression. Check your spelling when you are done.
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Exercise 2.4: Using Contractions
Directions: Take the sentences you completed in Activity 2.10 and write them on lined notebook paper using contractions. Then, write one (1) sentence of your own. Write your name, the date, and Assignment 2.11 at the top of your paper.
Exercise 2.5: Describing Pictures
Directions: Look at the pictures. Then, answer the questions using the present progressive tense. Use full forms for odd numbers and contractions for even numbers.
1. What is the man doing?
______________________________________________________
2. What is the man doing?
________________________________________________________
3. What is the woman doing?
__________________________________________________________
4. What is the man doing?
_______________________________________________________________
A farmer's market
5. What are the people doing?
___________________________________________________________________
6. What is the cashier doing?
_____________________________________________________________________
A grocery aisle
7. What is the man doing?
______________________________________________________________________
Exercise 2.6: Fill-in-the-blank
Directions: Complete the sentences with the present progressive form of the verb in parentheses.
- My son (come) ____________________home from school now.
- Right now, I (write)_________________ this sentence.
- At the moment, my wife (sit)_________________ on the sofa.
- Jaime and Teresa (buy)_________________ groceries now.
- This week, we (study)_________________ the present progressive tense.
- Tran (do)_________________ her homework in the living room.
- You (think)___________________________about grammar as you do this exercise.
- The people at this party (wear)___________________ beautiful clothes.
- He (sing)_________________ a song in the shower now.
- This year, my son (play)_________________ on the soccer team.
- I (carry)_________________ my books to class right now.
- It (rain)_________________ very hard at the moment.
- The children (watch)___________________ TV right now.
- You (answer)_________________ these questions now.
- My dog (chew)_________________ a shoe now.
Adapted from: “ESL for Beginning Students: The Way You Like It Basic Beginning Grammar/Writing (Part One of Two)” by Don Bissonnette, licensed under CC BY-NC 4