do, have and special verbs in the Present Progressive

How to use do, have and special verbs in the Present Progressive

There are verbs which are normally not used in the Present Progressive, like:
be, believe, belong, hate, hear, like, love, mean, prefer, remain, realize, see, seem, smell, think, understand, want, wish

We sometimes use these words in the following situations in the Present Progressive:

  • He's seeing his father tomorrow. (fixed date)
  • The group is seeing the sights of Paris. (see in connection with tourists)
  • They are having a great time in Kapstadt. (have as an activity verb)
  • What's the matter with you? What are you thinking? (to be worried about sth.)
  • He is being friendly. (at the moment)

If you are not sure with these verbs, use a good dictionary.

1. do as a main verb

Pronouns Affirmative sentences Negative sentences Questions
I I am doing an exercise. I am not doing an exercise. Am I doing an exercise?
you You are doing an exercise. You are not doing an exercise Are you doing an exercise?
he, she, it He is doing an exercise. He is not doing an exercise. Is he doing an exercise?
we, you, they They are doing an exercise. They are not doing an exercise. Are they doing an exercise?

2. have as a main verb

Pronouns Affirmative sentences Negative sentences Questions
I I am having a bath. I am not having a bath. Am I having a bath?
you You are having a bath. You are not having a bath. Are you having a bath?
he, she, it He is having a bath. He is not having a bath. Is he having a bath?
we, you, they They are having a bath. They are not having a bath. Are they having a bath?

We often use the short/contracted forms with these verbs.