present progressive

[ prez-uhnt pruh-gres-iv ]

noun

1. a verb construction, in English made up of the auxiliary verb be in the present tense followed by the present participle of the main verb, used especially to indicate that a present action or event is in progress, being repeated, or of a temporary nature, and also often used to express the future, such as I am making supper right now, Who is hammering on the door? and They are flying to France next week.

adjective

1. designating a verb construction used to express a present action or event that is in progress, being repeated, or of a temporary nature, and also often used to express the future.

Word History and Origins

Origin of present progressive¹

First recorded in 1800–10