Present Participle

The present participle (often called the -ing or continuous form) is one of the verb forms in the English language. Main verbs in continuous tenses appear in this form.

The formation involves adding -ing to the bare infinitive.

For example:

• I am working tonight.

The verb "work" is the base form of the verb, and "working" is the present participle.

• I am trying to sound smart.

The verb "try" is the base form of the verb, and trying is the present participle.

All English present participles are regular (in contrast to, for example, past participles forms).

The present participle must not be confused with gerunds.

• He is singing to sound smart. PRESENT PARTICIPLE
• Singing in the middle of the night is a bad idea. GERUND