Rule 2.2: Uses of The Present Progressive

The Present Progressive has 3 main uses:

1. To describe an action that is in progress and happening at the time of speaking. Right now, I am sitting on the couch and my brothers are eating dinner
It is raining and Zahra is waiting for the bus.
2. For an action that is happening around the time of speaking, but not happening exactly at that time. This semester, I am taking three English classes.
Their baby is waking up very early these days.
3. It is often used to show that the action is temporary. She is studying Biology.
(She is studying now, but she won’t be studying forever. At some point, she will probably finish studying and get a job.)

* These time expressions are often used with the present progressive:

  • At time of speaking: right now, at the moment, today, at present.
  • Around time of speaking: this year, this semester, this week, these days.

The Present Progressive expresses an activity that is in progress (is occurring, is happening) right now. The event began in the past, is in progress now, and will probably continue into the future.

Examples:

Ann can’t come to the phone right now because she is taking a shower.

It’s noon. I am eating lunch at the cafeteria right now.