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

Example Sentences

There is beginning and ending to present progressive activity.

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