The present progressive

The present progressive tense is generally used to talk about actions happening right now or around now.

The children are sleeping. (right now)

I am learning English. (around now) 

It is formed using the present simple form of the verb to be To be, present simple tense + the -ing form of the main verb (infinitive form without to + the ending -ing).

to wear → Polly is wearing nice shoes. 

to eat → They are eating salad. 

To create short forms, negatives and questions, follow the same rules as you would for the present simple of the verb to be, then add the -ing form of the main verb. 

Polly isn't wearing nice shoes. To be, present simple, negative, short

-What are they eating? -They're eating salad. To be, present simple, short form

Note: when you add -ing to the infinitive form, remember that some verbs change slightly.

to joke → I'm joking!

to travel →  I am travelling


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