Master Present Progressive with this Worksheet Key

Introduction to Present Progressive

The present progressive tense, also known as the present continuous, is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that often leaves learners puzzled about its correct usage. It describes an action that is currently in progress at the moment of speaking or over a period of time around the present. This tense is particularly useful in dynamic situations where the focus is on what is happening now or around now.

Forming the Present Progressive

To form the present progressive:

• Start with the appropriate form of the verb to be (am, are, is).
• Follow with the base verb + -ing.

For example:

Using the Present Progressive

The present progressive tense has several key uses:

• Current action: When you want to describe an action happening at the moment of speaking. E.g., “She is eating her lunch.”
• Future plans: It can indicate planned or intended future actions, especially when accompanied by time expressions. E.g., “I am meeting him at 5 PM.”
• Temporary actions: Actions that are ongoing over a limited period of time. E.g., “They are living in London for a few months.”
• Changing or developing situations: To show that a situation is in flux or evolving. E.g., “The weather is getting worse.”

Worksheet Key to Master Present Progressive

Practice makes perfect. Here’s a key to understanding and practicing the present progressive tense:

Part 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct present progressive form of the verb in brackets:

1. She (read) ___ is reading ___ a new book every week.
2. They (play) ___ are playing ___ in the garden right now.
3. He (not, watch) ___ is not watching ___ TV because he’s studying for his exam.
4. We (think) ___ are thinking ___ of moving to a new apartment.
5. I (eat) ___ am eating ___ breakfast as I write this.

Part 2: Sentence Transformation

Transform the sentences below from simple present to present progressive:

• “I usually run in the morning.” → “I am running in the morning.”
• “They study every day.” → “They are studying every day.”
• “He plays the guitar.” → “He is playing the guitar.”

Part 3: Choose the Correct Option

Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence:

1. I ___ am meeting ___ (meet, am meeting) my friend later today.
2. Look! The dog ___ is playing ___ (plays, is playing) with its new toy.
3. They ___ are taking ___ (take, are taking) the bus to school today.

Notes on Common Pitfalls

💡 Note: Be careful not to confuse the present simple and present progressive tenses. While the present simple is used for habitual actions or facts, the present progressive indicates ongoing actions or changes.

💡 Note: Some verbs don’t generally take the ‘-ing’ form in the progressive tense (e.g., “belong”, “have” when referring to possession, “know”, “like”, “understand”, etc.).

Summarizing the Journey to Mastery

Through understanding the correct usage, practicing with targeted exercises, and learning to avoid common mistakes, mastering the present progressive tense becomes not just an educational goal but also a practical tool for everyday communication in English. Regular practice, keen observation, and thoughtful application of these rules will lead you towards flawless fluency in using this tense.

Why do we use the present progressive tense?

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The present progressive tense helps to emphasize actions or events that are happening at the moment of speaking or are temporary and ongoing.

Can the present progressive be used for future events?

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Yes, when used with time expressions like “next week,” “tomorrow,” or “tonight,” the present progressive can indicate plans or scheduled future events.

What’s the difference between present simple and present progressive?

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The present simple is used for general truths, habits, or things that occur regularly, whereas the present progressive is used for actions happening now, temporary actions, or planned future events.