Ap. Present Progressive Tense.
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
Explanation
How do you tell someone that something or an event is happening right now? Or an ongoing action? In English, we use words like ‘is’, ‘am’, ‘are’, and adding -ing to verbs or action words. For example, ‘John is eating’ and ‘they are walking’. This is called the Present Progressive tense. In Haitian Creole, we use one word to show someone that an event is happening right now or an ongoing action: ap. Remember that ‘ap’ does not necessarily always translate to ‘is’ and other verbs that end in ‘-ing’. We need to memorize when to use it correctly.
* 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.