Simple and progressive tense
I can write a sentence in the simple present, past or future tense and the progressive present, past or future tense.
Simple and progressive tense
I can write a sentence in the simple present, past or future tense and the progressive present, past or future tense.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Both the simple tense and progressive tense can denote present, past or future action.
- The verb carries the tense of a sentence.
- The simple tense is a tense that does not use an auxiliary verb in addition to the main verb except in the future.
- The progressive tense always makes use of an auxiliary verb from the infinitive 'to be' paired with the main verb.
- The progressive tense denotes ongoing action.
Common misconception
Pupils might think they have used the progressive tense simply by using a being verb like 'am'.
'I am happy today.' Ask pupils why this is not written in the progressive tense. The being verb must help the main verb that ends in -ing.
Keywords
Auxiliary verb - the helping verb that is always paired with the main verb
Infinitive - any verb preceded by the word 'to'
Progressive tense - a tense that denotes ongoing action
Ongoing - continuous or still happening
Simple tense - a tense that does not make use of an auxiliary verb in addition to the main verb in the present and past
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
simple present tense
simple past tense
simple future tense
progressive past tense
progressive present tense
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The ducks were eating the breadcrumbs.
The rain is pouring down today!
I will be cleaning my boots after this muddy walk.