GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ている
Follows a verb in connective form to indicate an action currently in progress.
Examples
弟は今、本を読んでいます。
My younger brother is reading a book now.
Words used
母は台所で夕食を作っている。
My mother is making dinner in the kitchen.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
いるafter a verb'sてform. The polite form isています. - Basic usage:
弟は今、本を読んでいます。describes reading in progress now.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Type of verb
読んでいるdescribes ongoing reading, but結婚しているdescribes the state of being married. Do not translate everyているas an action in progress.
- Habit and reference time
毎朝走っているcan describe a repeated habit, whileその時は読んでいたdescribes what was in progress at a past moment. Consider time expressions and the final inflection together.