present progressive

American  

[prez-uhnt pruh-gres-iv] / ˈprɛz ənt prəˈgrɛs ɪv /

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of present progressive

First recorded in 1800–10

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

present progressive

There is beginning and ending to present progressive activity.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by John Joly

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