Basic introduction to progressive verb tenses.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. Ready to try your own?
Okay let’s write our answers on
our marker boards! You need
both the main verb and helping
verb.

11. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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