Continuous or progressive aspect

Definition

The continuous, or progressive, aspect uses a form of be + verb-ing to present an action or situation as ongoing, temporary, developing or unfinished around a particular time.

Examples

• She is working now.

  The present progressive presents the activity as ongoing now.

• They were waiting outside.

  The past progressive presents an activity in progress at a past time.

• This time tomorrow, we will be flying home.

  The future progressive presents an activity as in progress at a future time.

Progressive aspect vs. simple aspect

Simple forms often present habits, facts or complete events. Progressive forms present situations from inside their duration or development.

Not every verb is normally progressive

Stative verbs such as know, belong, need and believe usually use simple forms when they describe a state. Some stative verbs can become progressive when their meaning changes to an activity or temporary behaviour.

• I know the answer.

  Know describes a state and is normally simple.

• I am thinking about the answer.

  Here think describes an active mental process, so the progressive is natural.

Common mistakes