present progressive
[ prez-uhnt pruh-gres-iv ]
noun
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 Iam makingsupper right now, Whois hammeringon the door? and Theyare flyingto France next week.
adjective
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.
Origin of present progressive
1First recorded in 1800–10
- Also called pres·ent con·tin·u·ous [prez-uhnt kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs] /ˈprɛz ənt kənˈtɪn yu əs/ .
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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