Present Progressive

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Main Rules

1) Use the present progressive (also called present continuous) to refer to something you are actively doing. The simple present is about regular activity. The present progressive tense is about current activity.

Wait a minute. I'm talking to my mother on the phone. I'm planning my schedule for this week.

Some verbs indicate very current activity while others are more general. For some general statements, either the simple present or the present progressive can be used.  

I am meeting a lot of people in Seattle. I meet a lot of people in Seattle.
I am sharing an apartment with my friend. I share an apartment with my friend.

2) To Be + Go -- refers to an intention. An intention concerns the future.

I am going to class in a few minutes. I'm not going to work tomorrow.
You can use To Be + Go for any time frame.
I am going to Africa next year.

It is okay to express an intention for the near future with other verbs too.

I'm giving my presentation next week.
I'm leaving for New York tomorrow.


Progressive Verb + Infinitive

You can pair many inactive verbs with active verbs to express more complex thoughts.

I am trying to play the movie.
I am hoping to see my friend before she leaves.

Notes: For formal grammar, write With whom are you living? However, in speech, people say: Who are you living with?
Use either How do you feel? or How are you feeling? Often, people answer in the same tense, but that's not necessary in casual speech.
The same is true for How are you? or How are you doing?

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