Time Adverbs - In, In Progress
时间副词 — 在、正在
The adverbs 'in' and 'in progress' indicate that an action is ongoing (progressive aspect, 'being in progress'). 'In progress' is more emphatic.
Structure
Subject + in / in progress + Verb (+ '呢')
Elements
inin progress
How to use it
- in + verb = in progress (current); in progress + verb = in progress (more emphatic).
- One can add '呢' at the end of the sentence to emphasize the progressive aspect.
Examples
他在吃饭。
tā zài chī fàn。
He is in the process of eating.
我正在学习。
wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí。
I am in the process of studying.
她在看书呢。
tā zài kàn shū ne。
She is in the process of reading.
你在做什么？
nǐ zài zuò shénme？
What are you doing?
Notes and exceptions
- 'In progress' is more emphatic than 'in' alone.
- Do not confuse 'in' (progressive) with 'in' as a preposition (to a place).
- 'In' + verb and 'In progress' + verb indicate an ongoing action.
- 'In progress' emphasizes the ongoing action (often more explicit/formal).
- For localization, we use 'in' + place (not *'in progress' + place).
- In : to be at; in progress. This verb means 'to exist' or 'to be alive'. Common combinations observed: '呢' (progressive/emphasis).
- In progress : being in progress. The term 'in progress' is used to indicate that an action is currently occurring or an state persists.
Common mistakes
- Distinguish: He is reading (in progress) ≠ He is at school (in a place).
- Progressive aspect should not be used with state verbs: *He is knowing is incorrect.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(in + verb = in progress (current); in progress + verb = in progress (more emphatic).)
2. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(One can add '呢' at the end of the sentence to emphasize the progressive aspect.)