The te-form of verb + "iru/ imasu"

The te-form of verb + "iru/ imasu"

1. A continuing action at a certain point in time (E.g. I am studying Japanese now.)

2. A state or condition that was created by a previous action or event and that is still maintained at a certain point in time. (E.g. I have been studied (or studying) Japanese for two years.)

 

CAUTION: The “iru/imasu” of the above form and the “iru/imasu” you learned meaning to exist are identical in form, but grammatically they are completely different.  “Iru/imasu” alone is used to mean whether or not the subject (animate) exists.

 

Some Time Expressions with The te-form of verb + "imasu (iru)"
Point in time + “kara” = since….
Time expression + “maekara” = since (time expression) ago

 

1.The te-form of action verb + "imasu (iru)"

 If the verb indicates an action that can continue once started "to be -ing", such as "taberu" or "hanasu", it has the first meaning above.  Thus, "tabeteiru"=I am eating.   Other verbs of this kind are "nomu, aruku, hashiru, utau, oyogu, kaku, miru, tsukau, tsukuru, yasumu, benkyoosuru, au".

 

2. The te-form of non-continuous action verb + "imasu (iru)"

When the verb indicates an action that is non-continuous, such as "shiru (to come to know)" or "hareru (to clear up)", it has the second meaning above, "to have done." Thus, "shitteiru"=I know (that is, I came to know and I am still in that state).  Other verbs of this type include "shinu, wasureru, tatsu, suwaru, okiru, iu, noru, tusku, neru".   

2. The te-form of movement verb + "imasu (iru)"

When such movement verbs as "iku (to go), kuru (to come), kaeru (to return), hairu (to enter), and deru (to go out)" appear in this construction, the meaning expressed is the second meaning above, "to have done.". 

1&2. .But in some cases, either meaning (1) or (2) is possible. Verbs in this category include “kiru”, “toru” and “oboeru”

 

Others:

The te-form of verb + "imasu (iru)" for a habitual action

Sometimes, this construction is used to express a habitual action, one that takes place repeatedly.  This emphasizes the habitual nature of the actions more than regular non-past sentences do. 

The te-form of verb + "imasu (iru)" for “to have finished doing...”

When you are asked whether you have finished doing something and you have not done so, you will answer using the “te-iru” form.

The te-form of verb + kara + other verbs

Refer to the grammar dictioanry "Iru 2 (aux.v.)" pp.155 – 157 for more sample sentences.)