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Progressive tenses

This document explains progressive verb tenses. It defines progressive as referring to actions that take place over time rather than a single moment. The three progressive tenses are the present progressive, past progressive, and future progressive. The present progressive uses a form of "to be" plus the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb to show an ongoing action in the present. The past progressive similarly uses a past tense form of "to be" to refer to ongoing past actions. The future progressive will use "will be" plus the present participle to refer to future ongoing actions. Examples are provided to illustrate each progressive tense.

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Forming Progressive Tenses
Simple Tenses Verbs can show when something happened. Aidan builds a sand castle. This is present tense. It shows an action that is happening now.
Simple Tenses Verbs can show when something happened. Aidan built a sand castle. This is past tense. It shows an action that happened in the past.
Simple Tenses Verbs can show when something happened. Aidan will build a sand castle. This is future tense. It shows an action that will happen.
Another tense But what about something that started in the past and is still happening?
Another tense For this, we need the progressive tense.
What does progress mean? Progress is a word with several meanings: To move forward toward a goal: I want to make progress in learning multiplication facts. To go forward or onward in space or time: The train progressed toward its destination.
What does progress mean? Which definition relates to verb tense? To move forward toward a goal: I want to make progress in learning multiplication facts. To go forward or onward in space or time: The train progressed toward its destination.
What does progress mean? Which definition relates to verb tense? To go forward or onward in space or time: The train progressed toward its destination.
Progressive Tenses Progressive tenses are used to show actions that take place over a period of time.
Present Progressive The present progressive shows a continuing action. The horses are walking by the road.
Present Progressive The present progressive shows a continuing action. The horses are walking by the road. What do you notice about the present progressive?
Present Progressive The present progressive shows a continuing action. The beaver is swimming.
Present Progressive The present progressive shows a continuing action. The beaver is swimming. Notice that the present progressive has a form of the verb to be, along with the –ing form of the verb
Present Progressive Can you describe the caterpillar’s actions using the present progressive? The caterpillar _______________.
Present Progressive Can you describe the caterpillar’s actions using the present progressive? The caterpillar is crawling.
Past Progressive The past progressive shows an action that continued for a time in the past. Last night, the campfire was burning on the beach. How is the past progressive similar to the present progressive?
Past Progressive The past progressive shows an action that continued for a time in the past. The meerkat was watching for predators. Which two words show the past progressive in this sentence?
Past Progressive The past progressive shows an action that continued for a time in the past. The meerkat was watching for predators. Notice that the past progressive includes the past tense form of to be.
Past Progressive Can you fill in the missing word to create the past progressive? The flowers ________ blooming along the trail.
Past Progressive Can you fill in the missing word to create the past progressive? The flowers _were_ blooming along the trail.
Future Progressive The future progressive shows an action that will continue for a time in the future. The family will be kayaking for the next few hours. How is the future progressive different from the other forms?
Future Progressive The future progressive shows an action that will continue for a time in the future. The family will be kayaking for the next few hours. The future progressive uses will be.
Future Progressive The future progressive shows an action that will continue for a time in the future. The frog eggs _________________ hatching soon. Can you fill in the missing words?
Future Progressive The future progressive shows an action that will continue for a time in the future. The frog eggs will be hatching soon.
Using the progressive Write a sentence about the frog. Use the past, present, or future progressive form. Past: was ___________ Present: is ___________ Future: will be________
Using the progressive Write a sentence about the snake. Use the past, present, or future progressive form.
Using the progressive Write a sentence about the snake. Use the past, present, or future progressive form.
Why the progressive? This verb tense is often used in speaking and informal situations. I’m just hanging out in the forest.
Why the progressive? This verb tense is often used in speaking and informal situations. I’m just hanging out in the forest.
Write some dialogue Write some dialogue for the speech bubble. Use the present progressive.
Why the progressive? Progressive forms are also used for temporary situations. The frog is crawling out of the container.
Write a sentence Write a sentence to show what is happening in the picture. Use a progressive form.
Time to Reflect What have you learned about progressive verb tenses?