ap | Present Progressive in Haitian Creole
Learn how to use “ap” to form the present progressive tense in Haitian Creole. This guide explains how “ap” is used to describe ongoing actions and events, helping you speak about what is happening right now.
Word order
Ap + Verb…
When do you use this type of sentence?
Actions that are happening right now
Event that is ongoing
Present Progressive tense
Similar Lesson
Explanation
How do you describe something happening right now? Or an ongoing action?
English uses forms like “is,” “am,” “are,” and adds -ing to verbs, as in “John is eating” or “they are walking.” This is known as the Present Progressive tense. In Haitian Creole, we use the word “ap” to convey that an action is currently occurring. Unlike in English, “ap” does not always translate directly to “is” or verbs ending in -ing, so it’s important to memorize its correct usage.
* Haitians may also use “ape” or “pe” instead of “ap”
Important rules when using 'ap'
There are no direct Negative Sentences for Present Progressive Tense. You can use pat, pap or pa pral accordingly.
Haitians may use the short form of Pronouns before using ‘ap’. Below are the ways they are used:
M ap
Mwen ap
W ap
Ou ap
L ap
Li ap
N ap
Nou ap
Y ap
Yo ap
Haitians also use ‘ap’ to talk about things will definitely happen in the future or that will take place in the immediate future.
Sample Sentences
Jan ap manje.
John is eating.
Li ap kouri.
It is running.
Yo ap mache.
They are walking.
Chen an ak chat la ap goumen.
The dog and cat are fighting.
M ap fè manje.
I am making food.
Y ap fè makèt kounye a.
They are shopping now.