Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016

The present progressive
4 The progressive tenses

Most verbs can form a present participle and be used in the progressive tenses. These tenses express the idea that an action is in progress during a particular time, that an action begins before, is in progress during, and continues after a period of time or after another action begins.

The present progressive

The present progressive tense expresses an action that is taking place at the moment of speaking and can imply that the action is incomplete.

Lauren is shopping right now. (Incomplete Action: She is still shopping.)

He is traveling to Germany. (Incomplete Action: He hasn’t arrived yet.)

The sun is shining brightly. (Incomplete Action: The sun continues to shine.)

The girls are walking to the park. (Incomplete Action: They haven’t arrived yet.)

Often, the progressive present tense can be used to imply a future tense meaning.

I am driving home this weekend.

Are you going to college next fall?