Final answer:
To describe an ongoing action at the moment of speaking, the Present continuous tense should be used. This tense involves using the present tense of the verb 'to be' followed by the -ing form of the main verb.
Step-by-step explanation:
To describe an action that is in progress at the moment of speaking, one should use the Present continuous tense. This tense is specifically designed to indicate actions happening at the current moment. The present continuous is formed by using the present tense of the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) followed by the present participle of the main verb (-ing). For example: 'I am reading a book' clearly shows that the action of reading is taking place at the time of speaking. Understanding and using verb tenses correctly is crucial for clear and accurate communication. Whether in spoken or written English, maintaining verb tense consistency is essential to avoid confusing the audience. When discussing literature, the literary present tense is often used, while in other disciplines, such as history or the social sciences, the past or present perfect tenses might be more appropriate.