Before starting the exercise for progressive tense and ongoing state 「…ている」, please clarify any doubts you may have about the grammatical rules by referring to your grammar guidebook or dictionary. The Instantaneous Composition Method requires you to compose sentences with the target sentence pattern(s) over and over in order to use them almost effortlessly. You should already have the necessary knowledge.
- Reference
- Genki I – Lesson 7: ~ている
- Tae Kim’s Guide – Other uses of the te-form
Instantaneous Composition Exercise for Progressive Tense and Ongoing State 「…ている」
This is not a translation exercise. This is the Instantaneous Composition Exercise. As if a reflexive action, try to create an equivalent Japanese sentence shortly after reading an English script. Try not to think for more than three seconds.
- Audio File
English and Hidden Japanese Scripts
1. | (I’m) writing a letter. |
手紙を書いています。 |
2. | (I’m) listening to music. |
音楽を聞いています。 |
3. | (I’m) living in Japan. |
日本に住んでいます。 |
4. | (I’m) doing my homework. |
宿題をしています。 |
5. | (I) know Tanaka-san. |
田中さんを知っています。 |
6. | (I) have a bag. |
かばんを持っています。 |
7. | (I) believe my girlfriend. |
彼女を信じています。 |
8. | (I’m) in trouble. |
困っています。 |
9. | (I’m) tired. |
疲れています。 |
10. | Suzuki-san is thin. |
鈴木さんは痩せています。 |
Recommended Links
How to Proceed with the Instantaneous Composition Method

Japanese Grammar Exercise: Negative Verbs 「…ない」

Japanese Grammar: Expressing Inanimate and Animate Existence 「ある」「いる」