Overview
This lecture introduces the present progressive verb tense, explaining its structure, uses, and providing examples for forming sentences in English.
Verb Tenses and Present Progressive
- Verb tenses indicate when an action takes place.
- The present progressive tense describes actions happening right now or continuing actions.
- Example sentences: "I am eating dinner," "I am texting my friend now."
Forming the Present Progressive
- Present progressive is formed using the verb "be" plus a verb ending in -ing.
- The form of "be" depends on the subject (pronoun or noun).
- Pronoun + Be forms: I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are.
- Use "is" + -ing for singular subjects (She is riding a bike; The student is walking).
- Use "are" + -ing for plural subjects (They are playing; The students are doing homework).
- Use "is" + -ing for non-count nouns (Water is dripping; The ice cream is melting).
Examples of Present Progressive Sentences
- I am eating pizza.
- You are sleeping.
- He is making dinner right now.
- We are watching TV now.
- My parents are driving to work.
- My dog is sleeping on my bed.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Present Progressive — verb tense for actions happening now (am/are/is + -ing verb).
- Subject — the person or thing doing the action in the sentence.
- Be — the helping verb used to form the present progressive (am, are, is).
- Non-count noun — a noun that cannot be counted (e.g., water, ice cream).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Look at a picture and write or say a sentence using the present progressive tense.
- Practice forming present progressive sentences with different subjects.