English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use the progressive verb tenses
Use the progressive verb tenses
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify present, past, and future progressive verb tenses in sentences.
Form present progressive verbs correctly using 'am/is/are' + -ing.
Form past progressive verbs correctly using 'was/were' + -ing.
Form future progressive verbs correctly using 'will be' + -ing.
Use progressive verb tenses to describe actions happening now, in the past, or in the future.
Distinguish between simple and progressive verb tenses to enhance their writing.
Explain why using progressive tenses can make their argumentative writing more precise.
Have you ever tried to tell a story about something that was happening at a specific moment? ⏳
In this lesson, you will learn how to use progressive verb tenses to describe actions that are ongoing or...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Progressive TenseA verb tense that shows an action that is ongoing, continuing, or in progress at a specific point in time.She *is reading* a book right now.
Auxiliary Verb (Helping Verb)A verb that helps the main verb express tense, mood, or voice. For progressive tenses, forms of 'to be' (am, is, are, was, were, will be) are used.In 'They *are playing* soccer,' 'are' is the auxiliary verb.
Main VerbThe verb that carries the primary meaning in a verb phrase. In progressive tenses, it always ends with '-ing'.In 'He is *running* fast,' 'running' is the main verb.
Present ProgressiveDescribes an action that is happening right now, at the moment of speaking or writing.The birds *are singing* outside my window....
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Key Rules & Conventions
Present Progressive Formation
Subject + am/is/are + main verb (-ing)
Use 'am' with 'I', 'is' with singular subjects (he, she, it, a noun), and 'are' with plural subjects (we, you, they, plural nouns). This tense shows an action happening now.
Past Progressive Formation
Subject + was/were + main verb (-ing)
Use 'was' with singular subjects (I, he, she, it, a noun) and 'were' with plural subjects (we, you, they, plural nouns). This tense shows an action that was ongoing in the past.
Future Progressive Formation
Subject + will be + main verb (-ing)
Use 'will be' with all subjects (singular or plural). This tense shows an action that will be ongoing in the future.
Purpose of Progressive Tenses
Em...
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Challenging
In an argumentative essay arguing for more city parks, which sentence uses the future progressive tense most effectively to emphasize a long-term, ongoing benefit?
A.Children will play in the new park.
B.The city will have built a park for children.
C.For years to come, children will be playing safely in the new park.
D.Children are playing in parks now.
Challenging
Why is it often more precise in an argument to say 'The company *is ignoring* safety regulations' instead of 'The company *ignores* safety regulations'?
A.It suggests the action is a one-time event.
B.It makes the company seem less responsible.
C.It emphasizes that the negative action is currently and continuously happening, adding urgency.
D.It implies the action is habitual but not necessarily happening now.
Challenging
A student is writing an argument that their school needs a better recycling program. Which sentence uses the progressive tense to best highlight the ongoing nature of the problem?
A.Students threw away many recyclable items last year.
B.Our school will have a new recycling program next year.
C.Every day, students are throwing away tons of plastic that could be recycled.
D.Students should recycle more often.
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