Concept: The present progressive is a present tense formation which is in progress. Students tend to think of it as the " I-N-G" formation since it translates as ING. For example, You ARE READING. The action in the present progressive is in progress and is taking place right now. Formation: In English we form the present progressive by combining the verb TO BE with a present participle. In Spanish we combine the verb ESTAR with the present participle of the action verb. To form the present participle for AR verbs, drop the AR from the infinitive and add ANDO. The present participle for HABLAR is HABLANDO. To form the present participle for ER and IR verbs, drop the ER/IR from the infinitive and add IENDO. The present participle for COMER is COMIENDO and ESCRIBIR is ESCRIBIENDO. Unless the verb is a double stem change, always base your participle on the infinitive. We are not done yet. Now combine a form of ESTAR (Estoy, estás, está, estamos, estáis , están) with a present participle and you have the present progressive. For example, yo estoy hablando= I am speaking right now. For example, Tú estás comiendo= you are eating right now. For example, nosotros estamos escribiendo= We are writing at this moment. The present progressive is different for double stem change verbs. Please refer to that section as well. Change the verbs from the present tense to the present progressive. Remember: TWO WORDS.