We form the present participle by adding ing to the verb.
Examples:
learn + ing = learning
sing + ing = singing
read + ing = reading
We can use the present participle with the auxiliary verb to be to form the continuous tense.
Examples:
I am singing at the concert. (present continuous tense)
I was singing at the concert. (past continuous tense)
I will be singing at the concert. (future continuous tense)
We can use the present participle to form the perfect continuous tense.
Examples:
I have been working. (present perfect continuous)
I had been working. (past perfect continuous)
I will have been working. (future perfect continuous)
Present participles can also form adjectives.
Examples:
I can hear the bouncing ball.
These are his jogging shoes.
If the verb has one syllable, one vowel and ends with a consonant, double the last letter before adding ing.
Examples:Verb | Present Participle |
get | getting |
hit | hitting |
jog | jogging |
nod | nodding |
rob | robbing |
swim | swimming |
stop | stopping |
top | topping |
If a verb ends ends in silent '-e', the silent '-e' is dropped and '-ing' is added
Examples:
Verb | Present Participle |
chase | chasing |
cycle | cycling |
drive | driving |
ride | riding |
rise | rising |
shake | shaking |
shave | shaving |
smile | smiling |
take | taking |
wave | waving |
If a verb ends with a single l, it is doubled in British English but not in American English.
Verb | Present Participle |
British |
|
dial | dialling |
travel | travelling |
American |
|
dial | dialing |
travel | traveling |
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