The present progressive: How and When to Use in English
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The present progressive
The present progressive tense is generally used to talk about actions happening right now or around now.
The children are sleeping. (right now)
I am learning English. (around now)
It is formed using the present simple form of the verb to be To be, present simple tense + the -ing form of the main verb (infinitive form without to + the ending -ing).
to wear → Polly is wearing nice shoes.
to eat → They are eating salad.
To create short forms, negatives and questions, follow the same rules as you would for the present simple of the verb to be, then add the -ing form of the main verb.
Polly isn't wearing nice shoes. To be, present simple, negative, short
-What are they eating? -They're eating salad. To be, present simple, short form
Note: when you add -ing to the infinitive form, remember that some verbs change slightly.
to joke → I'm joking!
to travel → I am travelling
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