Progressive Verb Tenses Ongoing Actions

Progressive verbs are “ongoing actions,” which happen over time. To make a verb progressive, you need to add “ing” to the end. Example: playing, running, watching

Past, Present, or Future? You need to decide if the action is taking place in the past, present, or future in order to use the correct helping verb.

For one person or thing doing the action, use “was”. Shelby was skating yesterday. If the action is in the past, you use “was” or “were” as the helping verb.

For more than one person or thing doing the action, use “were”. Steve and Scott were painting last night. If the action is in the past, you use “was” or “were” as the helping verb.

If you’re the one doing the action (saying “I”), use “am”. I am waiting to be picked up. If the action is in the present, you use “is,” “am,” or “are” as the helping verb.

If one person or thing is doing the action, use “is”. My brother is talking on the phone. If the action is in the present, you use “is” “am” or “are” as the helping verb.

If more than one person or thing is doing the action, use “are”. We are collecting money for charity. We are collecting money for charity. If the action is in the present, you use “is” “am” or “are” as the helping verb.

Next weekend, my family will be camping in the mountains. Next weekend, my family will be camping in the mountains. If the action is in the future, you use “will be” as the helping verb.

Ready to try your own? You need both the main verb and helping verb.

Directions 1.Change the verb to “progressive tense” (ongoing action, ends in “-ing”). 2.Decide which helping verb would be needed *Past Progressive- was, were *Present Progressive- is, am, are *Future Progressive- will be

Remember.... If a word ends in “e” then you need to drop the “e” to add “–ing” on the end. Example: slide becomes sliding Example: slide becomes sliding

Present Progressive Our class ___ plan on taking a field trip to the museum at the end of the year.

is planning Our class ___ plan on taking a field trip to the museum at the end of the year.

I _____ ride my bike to my friend’s house yesterday when the chain broke. Past Progressive

was riding I _____ ride my bike to my friend’s house yesterday when the chain broke.

I _____ walk beside our school’s parade float, passing out candy to people on the streets. Future Progressive

will be walking I _____ walk beside our school’s parade float, passing out candy to people on the streets.

I ____ perform in our school’s winter play and can’t wait for everyone to see! Present Progressive

am performing I ____ perform in our school’s winter play and can’t wait for everyone to see!

Michael and Nick ____ fish from their dock and caught 4 fish to eat for dinner! Past Progressive

were fishing Michael and Nick ____ fish from their dock and caught 4 fish to eat for dinner!

The high school students _____ come over to our school to help tutor us in math and reading. Future Progressive

will be coming The high school students _____ come over to our school to help tutor us in reading and math.

We _____ raise money for our school to be able to get new playground equipment. Present Progressive

are raising We _____ raise money for our school to be able to get new playground equipment.

Leah was so excited for the party that she ____ hop around the room like a bunny! Past Progressive

was hopping Leah was so excited for the party that she ____ hop around the room like a bunny!

I _____ fly to my grandparents’ house in Mexico for my birthday next year. Future Progressive

will be flying I _____ fly to my grandparents’ house in Mexico for my birthday next year.

The bus driver ____ try to get all of us to be quiet so she can focus on driving. Present Progressive

is trying The bus driver ____ try to get all of us to be quiet so she can focus on driving.

The workers ____ clean the buildings after a massive storm hit their town and left a lot of damage. Past Progressive

were cleaning The workers ____ clean the buildings after a massive storm hit their town and left a lot of damage.

Mrs. Jackson’s class ____ compete with everyone else to see who can bring in the most canned goods. Future Progressive

will be competing Mrs. Jackson’s class ____ compete with everyone else to see who can bring in the most canned goods.

Review 1.For one person or thing doing the action, use ____. 2. For more than one person or thing doing the action, use ____. In the past tense, when do you use “was” and “were” in a sentence?

Review 1.For one person or thing doing the action, use was. 2. For more than one person or thing doing the action, use were. In the past tense, when do you use “was” and “were” in a sentence?

Review 1.For yourself (“I”), use ____. 2.For one person or thing doing the action, use ____. 3. For more than one person or thing doing the action, use ____. In present tense, when do you use “is” “am” and “are” in a sentence?

Review 1.For yourself (“I”), use I. 2.For one person or thing doing the action, use is. 3. For more than one person or thing doing the action, use are. In present tense, when do you use “is” “am” and “are” in a sentence?

ReviewExample: I _______ playing football tomorrow after school. Which helping verbs do you use for future progressive tense?

ReviewExample: I will be playing football tomorrow after school. What helping verbs do you use for future progressive tense?

Great Job! G r e a t J o b !