What type of action does progressive tense describe?

Answer 1

Progressive Tenses (Continuous Tenses) - when to use:

The Present Continuous is used to denote:

1) an action going on at the present moment.

2) an action going on for a certain period of time.

3) an action which is planned for the near future (often with the verbs to go, to come, to leave).

What is he doing? - He is reading a book now.

Don't go out. It's raining.

We are leaving for London tomorrow.

The Past Continuous is used:

1) to denote an action which was going on at a definite moment in the past.

2) to denote an action thought of as continual process. In this case the adverbs always, often, constantly are used.

Examples:

My children were sleeping at 9 o'clock yesterday. (or) My children were sleeping when I came home.

She was often talking about her dresses.

The Future Continuous is used:

to denote an action which will be going on at a definite moment in the future.

Example:

He will be working in the library from 12 till 5.

They will be waiting for you at 5.

Answer 2

Progressive tense describes actions that are currently happening, ongoing, or in progress at the moment of speaking.