The present participle is the verb form used to form the progressive tenses. It can also function as an adjective.

There are certain rules for forming the present participle just as there are for the -ed forms.

1. VERBS THAT END IN -E

Drop the -e and add -ing:

hope–>hoping
date–>dating

2. VERBS THAT END IN -Y

If -y is preceded by a vowel, keep the -y:

buy–>buying

If -y is preceded by a consonant, keep the -y:

try–>trying
study–>studying

3. VERBS THAT END IN -IE

Change the -ie to -y:

die–>dying
lie–>lying

4. VERBS THAT END IN TWO CONSONANTS

Just add the -ing ending:

start–>starting

Verbs that end in a vowel and a consonant follow special rules.

FOR ONE-SYLLABLE VERBS

1 vowel–>2 consonants (stop–> stopping)

2 vowels–>1 consonant (dream–> dreaming)

FOR TWO-SYLLABLE VERBS

1st syllable stressed–>1 consonant (listening)

2nd syllable stressed–>2 consonants (preferring)
 

Examples of The Present Participle

• Hello, I'm calling about an apartment. I'd like to rent a furnished, two-bedroom place.
• It looks like the rain is stopping.
• Are you applying for a charge account?