Use of the Present Progressive
When do we use the Present Progressive?
The Present Progressive is used when we talk about something which is happening now. It is also called Present Continuous.
1. actions happening at the moment of speaking (now, at the moment)
Peter is reading a book now
She's listening to the radio.
2. fixed plans in the near future
She is going to Basel on Saturday.
3. temporary actions
His father is working in Rome this month.
► Verbs that express states are normally not used with the Present Progressive. If they are used, watch the difference in meaning.
- They love being together. (They are not together now.)
- They are loving being together. (They are together now.)
4. actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions)
My friend is preparing for his exams.
5. trends
More and more people are using their computers to listen to music.
6. repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever)
Andrew is always coming late. (I don't like this.)
Simple Present → Andrew always comes late. (Here I don't give a comment.)