Form the progressive verb tenses

Key Notes :

1. Understanding Progressive Verb Tenses

  • Progressive verb tenses are used to express ongoing actions in the present, past, or future.
  • They consist of a form of the verb “to be” plus the -ing form of the main verb.

2. Types of Progressive Verb Tenses

  1. Present Progressive Tense
  • Form: am/is/are + verb + -ing
  • Usage: Indicates an action that is happening right now.
  • Examples:
    • “I am reading a book.”
    • “They are playing soccer.”
    • “She is studying for her exam.”
  1. Past Progressive Tense
  • Form: was/were + verb + -ing
  • Usage: Describes an action that was ongoing in the past.
  • Examples:
    • “He was watching TV when I called.”
    • “We were having dinner at 6 PM.”
    • “They were playing outside all afternoon.”
  1. Future Progressive Tense
  • Form: will be + verb + -ing
  • Usage: Indicates an action that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future.
  • Examples:
    • “I will be traveling next week.”
    • “She will be attending the concert tomorrow.”
    • “They will be studying for their tests.”

3. How to Form the Progressive Tenses

  • Identify the main verb you want to use.
  • Choose the correct form of the verb “to be” based on the subject and tense:
  • Present Tense: am, is, are
  • Past Tense: was, were
  • Future Tense: will be
  • Add the -ing form of the main verb.
  • Example: “play” → “playing”

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Omitting the auxiliary verb “to be.”
  • Incorrect: “She reading a book.”
  • Correct: “She is reading a book.”
  • Using the wrong form of “to be.”
  • Incorrect: “I were going to the store.”
  • Correct: “I was going to the store.”
  • Incorrectly forming the -ing verb.
  • Incorrect: “He is runing fast.”
  • Correct: “He is running fast.”

Let’s practice!