Form and Use the Present Progressive Tense

Present Progressive Verb Tense

HMH Lesson 3.3.1

Present Progressive Verb Tense

The progressive verb tense tells about action that happens over a period of time.

The present progressive tells about action that is happening in the present. It is formed by using the present-tense form of be (am/is/are) and adding -ing to the verb.

Forms of be with -ing

• Maggie is traveling to California by train. [-ing added to travel]

• Her aunt and uncle are expecting her. [-ing added to expect]

Quick Check: Identify the present progressive verb and the form of be

• The train is reaching California now.

• is (form of be), is reaching (present progressive)

Multiple Choice

Identify the form of be in the sentence: Maggie thinks, "I am getting excited."

• I

• am

• getting

• excited

Multiple Choice

Identify the form of be in the sentence: Many people are running on the crowded streets.

• are

• running

• on

• streets

Multiple Choice

Identify the form of be in the sentence: Crowds are rushing through the subway.

• rushing

• Crowds

• are

• through

Multiple Choice

Identify the form of be in the sentence: Willow is looking around constantly.

• is

• looking

• around

• constantly

Multiple Choice

Identify the form of be in the sentence: "I am liking California a lot!" Maggie says to herself.

• herself

• says

• liking

• am