Grammar Rules: Present Progressive Tenses
Written by Leny Ortega
After discussing the simple and perfect tenses, we continue with progressive tense. The tenses under this category denote that the action is on-going depending on time the action is done or completed. Below is an in-depth explanation of the correct usage of these progressive tenses.
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE shows continuing action, something is going on at the time of speaking.
FORM: (for singular subject) am / is + verb –ing
(For plural subject) are +verb – ing
Example: The president is accepting Mr. Purisima’s very timely resignation.
They are preparing for school right now.
Sometimes the present progressive tense is used to express future action.
Example: Our delegates are arriving in 25 minutes.
EXERCISE Write the correct form of the present progressive tense of the verb in the parentheses.
1.) Charina (speak) as a representative of the faculty members.
2.) The Filipinos (express) their frustration over the death of the 44 SAF members.
3.) There are rumors that some militant groups (want) the president’s resignation.
4.) Claire (expect) her fiancé to come home in two weeks time.
5.) The teacher (call) Nancy to recite the Desiderata.
1.) Charina is speaking as a representative of the faculty members.
The subject, Charina, here is singular that is why we use is + the –ing form of the verb speak. Imagine that Charina is actually in front of you right now speaking.
2.( The Filipinos are expressing their frustration over the death of the 44 SAF members.
The subject is plural (Filipinos) so, we use the “are” plus the –ing form of the verb express.
3.) There are rumors that some militant groups are wanting the president’s resignation.
Our subject here is the militant groups which is plural that is why the verb “are” is the correct form plus the–ing of the verb want. Obviously, the two foregoing sentences are controversial issues at the present time. Everywhere you go people have different opinions on the so called fallen 44.
4.) Claire is expecting her fiancé to come home in two weeks time.
5.) The teacher is calling Nancy to recite the Desiderata.
Sentence 4 and 5 has singular subjects, Claire and teacher respectively. The use of verb “is” is appropriate plus the –ing form of the given verbs. Both sentences give us the idea of the two individuals expecting something to happen and calling someone to do something all at the present time of speaking. Just like a video footage telecast real-time.