Present participle in English

This chapter will discuss the English present participle. The present participle in English are formed from verbs. 

Definition and usage of the present participle in English

The present participle in English is used to show a continuous action. This form of verb can be used as an adjective or as a verb tense. 

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Present participles as adjectives

The present participle as an adjective is used when talking about a person, thing or situation that gave a certain feeling. The present participles can be used in the present and past form. 

Present participle: base of the verb + ing

• Present form: The television program is boring. 
• Past form: I watched a boring television program. 

Present participle as verb tense

The present participle as a verb tense shows a continuous action. The present participle comes after another verb, which is usually an auxiliary verb. 

Present participle: base of the verb + ing

Difference between gerund and present participle

Present participles and gerunds look similar. As discussed earlier, the present participles are used as part of a verb tense or as adjective. Gerunds are nouns formed from verbs, also ending in 'ing'. 

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