Present Progressive

Present Progressive

The present progressive is used for actions going on in the moment of speaking and for actions taking place only for a short period of time.

•  It is also used to express development and actions that are arranged for the near future.

• Present progressive is also known as present continuous.

Use of the Present Progressive: 

• Actions happening at the moment of speaking:

• Peter is reading a book now.

• Fixed plans in the near future:

• We are going to Basel on Saturday.

• Temporary actions:

• I am working in Rome this month.

• Actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions):

• My friend is preparing for his exams.

• Trends:

• More and more people are using their computers to listen to music.

• Repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever):

• Andrew is always coming late.

Affirmative sentences in the Present Progressive:  Subj + to be + Infinitiv + -ing

• I am playing football.

• You are playing football.

• He is playing football.

Negative sentences in the Present Progressive: Subj + to be + not + Infinitiv + -ing

• I am not playing football.

• You are not playing football.

• He is not playing football.

Questions in the Present Progressive: to be + subj + Infinitiv + -ing

• Am I playing football?

• Are you playing football?

• Is he playing football?