Progressive Tenses with To Be in the Present

Progressive Tenses with To Be in the: Present Past Future

Language Objective: We will write complete sentences in the past, present and future progressive verb tense in three forms: �declarative �negative �Interrogative.

Why do we use the progressive? We use the progressive to show actions that: Past * were happening in the past and were ongoing. Present *are happening in the present time and are ongoing. Future *will be happening in the future and will be ongoing.

Parts of Speech: Verbs To be verb + verbing Past: Present: Future: Singular subject/I: was I: am (All subjects): will be Plural subject/you: were Singular subject: is Plural subject/you: are

Formulas & Examples Declarative + Past: Subject + was/were + verbing + finisher. Example: A group of responsible students was preparing for their test yesterday. Present: Subject + am/is/are + verbing + finisher. Example: At the moment, the students are diligently studying for their upcoming exam. Future: Subject + will be + verbing + finisher. Example: Flocks of birds will be migrating during the winter months.

Negative Past: Subject + was/were + not + verbing + finisher. Example: This morning, two children were not playing outside with the rest of the class. Present: Subject + am/is/are + not + verbing + finisher. Example: Surprisingly, the temperamental dog is not barking at the mail carrier right now. Future: Subject + will + not + be + verbing + finisher. Example: Next year, retail stores will not be hiring as many employees.

Interrogative ? Past: Was/Were + subject + verbing + finisher? Example: Was the busy flight attendant serving refreshments during the flight? Present: Am/is/are + subject + verbing + finisher? Example: Are they waiting for their teacher to arrive before they enter the classroom? Future: Will + subject + be + verbing + finisher? Example: Will drivers be consuming as much gasoline during the summer travel season?

Progressive Time Markers Past Present Future Yesterday Tomorrow Earlier Now Later Last ____ Right now Next ______ For ____ (time period) For _____ (time period) During At this moment During _______ Before Currently After _______ A while ago presently Soon