Continuous Tenses-Present,Past

Continuous (Progressive) Tenses

Verbs in Continuous Tenses always express "actions" that are in progress during the time framework indicated: present, past, future, or any of the perfect timeframes.

Continuous Tenses always engage the verb "BE," which expresses the timeframe of the action in progress. The main verb is always in the continuous form (ING form = present participle).

Present Continuous

The Present Continuous Tense applies the verb "BE" in the Present Tense (AM/ARE/IS). + The main verb, which is always in the present participle form (BASE + ING).

A verb in the Present Continuous usually expresses and "action" in progress at the present moment.
Example: Shhhhh! The baby is sleeping.

NOTE: We also use the Present Continuous structure informally to express something we expect in the future. Example: We are eating out tonight.

Past Continuous

The Past Continuous Tense applies the verb "BE" in the Past Tense (WAS/WERE) + the main verb, which is always in the present participle form.

The Past Continuous Tense is used
(1) to express an "action" in progress during another action in progress at the time.
Example: Many people are starving while others are fighting overweight.
Or
(2) to express an action in progress interrupted by a specific action or moment in the past.
Example: We were sleeping when the earthquake hit. OR At ten o'clock last night, the suspect was driving to Florida.