The present progressive tense, also known as the present continuous tense, is used to describe actions that are currently happening at the moment of speaking. It is formed using the auxiliary verb “to be” in the present tense (am, is, are) followed by the present participle of the main verb (verb + ing).
For example:
- I am reading a book.
- She is playing the piano.
- They are studying for their exams.
AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES IN PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
In affirmative sentences, the present progressive tense follows this structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb(ing).
For example:
- We are watching a movie.
- He is eating dinner.
NEGATIVE SENTENCES IN PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
For negative sentences, we simply add “not” between the auxiliary verb and the main verb. The structure becomes: Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb(ing).
For example:
- I am not working today.
- They are not attending the meeting.
In English, we often use contractions in informal speech and writing. Contractions are a way of shortening words by omitting certain letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. In the case of negative sentences in the present progressive tense, we can contract the subject and the auxiliary verb, or the auxiliary verb and ‘not’.
For example:
- I am not working today. -> I’m not working today.
- They are not attending the meeting. -> They’re not attending the meeting. / They aren’t attending the meeting.
INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES IN PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
When forming questions, the auxiliary verb precedes the subject. The structure is: am/is/are + Subject + Verb(ing)?
For example:
- Are you coming to the party?
- Is she cooking dinner?
When forming questions that require more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, we use WH- questions. These questions are typically started with a question word like ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘why’, or ‘how’. In the present progressive tense, the question word is followed by the auxiliary verb, then the subject, and finally the main verb.
For example:
- What are you doing?
- Where is she going?
- Why are they shouting?
USES OF THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE
Apart from describing ongoing actions, the present progressive tense can also be used in other contexts. Let’s explore them:
Future Arrangements
Interestingly, we can use the present progressive tense to talk about future arrangements. These are usually plans that are already confirmed.
For example:
- I am meeting my friend tomorrow.
- They are flying to Paris next week.
Annoyances
Sometimes, the present progressive tense is used to express annoyance about a habit that is happening too often. In this case, “always” is used between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
For example:
- He is always forgetting his keys.
- She is always talking during the movie.
ACTIVITY 1. INTERACTION USING THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE
Activity Instructions:
- Read/listen to the dialogue between Emily and David carefully.
- Work with a partner and take turns asking and answering questions about the dialogue.
- Try to use the present progressive tense in your answers when appropriate.
- Pay attention to the context of the dialogue to provide accurate responses.
Emily: Hey David, what are you doing right now?
David: Oh, hi Emily! I am just finishing up some work. Why do you ask?
Emily: I was wondering if you are free this evening. I am meeting some friends for dinner and thought you might want to join us.
David: That sounds great! I am not doing anything tonight. Where are you guys meeting?
Emily: We are meeting at the new Italian restaurant on 5th Street at 7 PM. They are always getting rave reviews!
David: Perfect, I want to try that place. I am looking forward to it.
Emily: Awesome! Oh, by the way, are you still planning on going to the concert next week?
David: Yes, I am going with my sister. We are leaving early to get good seats.
Emily: That’s cool. I always hear good things about that band. Anyway, I am meeting my brother for lunch now.
David: Alright, see you tonight then. And Emily, try not to be late, you are always keeping everyone waiting!
Emily: I will make sure I’m on time. See you later!
Sample Question and Answer:
Q: What is David doing right now? A: David is finishing up some work.
Sample Questions for Students to Ask Their Classmates:
- What are Emily and David planning to do this evening?
- Where are Emily and her friends meeting for dinner?
- Why is David looking forward to tonight?
- What future event are David and his sister planning to attend?
- Why does David tell Emily to try not to be late?
This activity encourages students to engage with the dialogue, practice the present progressive tense, and develop their listening and speaking skills. Enjoy the activity with your class!
ACTIVITY 2: PRACTICE WITH THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE
Instructions: In this activity, you will practice using the present progressive tense. Below are a set of phrases or clues. Your task is to combine them into complete sentences using the present progressive tense. Make sure to use the different forms of the present progressive tense as discussed above.
Example:
Clue: Susan / always / late
Q: Is Susan always late for class? A: No, she isn’t.
Your turn:
- Clue: Tom / study / for his exams
- Clue: the children / play / in the park
- Clue: my neighbors / make / a lot of noise
- Clue: she / not / watch / TV
- Clue: we / plan / our vacation
- Clue: Susan / always / late
CONCLUSION
The present progressive tense is a vital component of English grammar. Its versatility allows us to express ongoing actions, future arrangements, and even our annoyances. By understanding its structure and usage in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences, we can enhance our communication skills and express our thoughts more accurately. Remember, practice is key to mastering this tense. So, keep practicing!
