Definition & Meaning of "progressive tense"

What is "progressive tense"?

Progressive tense is a grammatical form used to describe actions that are ongoing or in progress at a specific time. It emphasizes the continuity of an action rather than its completion. In English, the progressive tense is formed using the appropriate form of the verb "to be" followed by the present participle of the main verb, which typically ends in "-ing." For example, in the sentence "They are studying," the phrase "are studying" indicates that the action is currently happening. Progressive tense is important for conveying actions that are actively occurring, providing clarity in both spoken and written communication.