1.
progressive form; continuous tense
A grammatical term referring to the progressive or continuous form of a verb, such as English "-ing" or Japanese ている.
英語の進行形を練習する。
To practice the English progressive form.
現在進行形と過去進行形の違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between the present progressive and past progressive.
この動詞は進行形にできない。
This verb cannot be put into the progressive form.
2.
ongoing; in progress; continuing
Used figuratively to describe something that is currently ongoing or still in progress, often in the pattern 現在進行形で.
問題は現在進行形で悪化している。
The problem is getting worse as we speak.
工事は現在進行形で進んでいます。
Construction is currently underway.
被害は現在進行形で拡大しているため、早急な対応が必要だ。
The damage is spreading as we speak, so an urgent response is needed.
USAGE:
進行形 originated as a grammar term but is widely used figuratively to emphasize that something is happening right now and is still ongoing. The figurative use almost always appears as 現在進行形で.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 現在進行形 (present progressive — grammar or figurative)
- 過去進行形 (past progressive — grammar)
- 現在進行形で (as we speak, in real time — figurative)