Progressive Verb Tenses for Kids: Was Running, Is Running (Grade 4 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Some actions keep going for a while. I am reading. I was reading. I will be reading. These are the progressive tenses, and they show action in progress.

Every progressive tense has two parts. First, a form of the helping verb be, such as am, is, are, was or were. Second, a main verb ending in i, n, g.

The present progressive shows something happening right now. Use am, is or are. I am writing. She is dancing. They are playing outside at this very moment.

The past progressive shows something that was going on in the past. Use was or were. I was sleeping when the phone rang. The kids were laughing all afternoon.

The future progressive shows something that will be going on later. Use will be. Tomorrow at noon, I will be swimming. Next week, we will be visiting Grandma.

Be careful to match the helping verb to the subject. I am, he is, they are. In the past, I was and he was, but we were and they were.

Now it's your turn. Yesterday at three, the dogs blank in the park. Should it be are running, were running or will be running? Pause and try. It is were running, because yesterday is the past and dogs is plural.

Great job! Progressive tenses show ongoing action. Use am, is or are for now, was or were for the past, and will be for the future, plus an ing verb. Practice progressive tenses in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!