Actions in progress with 正在 — Chinese grammar (HSK 2)

Subject + 正在 / 在 + Verb + Object

正在 (zhèngzài), or just 在, before a verb shows that the action is happening right now, like English "-ing". It is often paired with 呢 at the end for a chatty tone: 我在看书呢. Do not add 了, because the action is not finished.

Examples

我正在看书。 Wǒ zhèngzài kàn shū.	I am reading.
她在打电话。 Tā zài dǎ diànhuà.	She is making a phone call.
大家正在跳舞。 Dàjiā zhèngzài tiàowǔ.	Everyone is dancing.

Tip: 在 before a place means "at"; 在 before a verb means "in the middle of doing".