Final answer:
The progressive tense is used to describe actions or events that are ongoing or continuing. It is formed with 'to be' and the present participle of a verb (-ing). Consistency in verb tense usage is important for clarity in writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The progressive tense is used to indicate that an action or event is ongoing or continuing at the time of speaking or writing. It represents actions that are in progress at the present, past, or future. In English, the progressive tense is formed using the verb 'to be' plus the present participle of a verb, which ends in -ing. For example, 'is walking' for present progressive, 'was walking' for past progressive, and 'will be walking' for future progressive.
Understanding the use of the progressive tense helps to convey the appropriate time frame of an action in sentences. Consistent use of verb tenses is crucial in writing to maintain clarity and prevent confusion for the reader.
To illustrate the difference in the use of tenses, consider two statements: 'The historian argues that...' (present tense) and 'The historian has argued that...' (present perfect tense). The choice between these two tenses provides subtle nuances regarding the time frame of the historian's argument.
It is important to note that different academic disciplines might prefer different tenses. For instance, studies in the humanities often use present tense, while social and natural sciences might favor past tense for reporting findings. Since events happen at different times, writers may utilize a combination of tenses, but they should aim for verb tense consistency to avoid confusing their audience.