He is being late (simple present vs. present continuous)

[shakir]

English Error, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #4 "Present Tense", question 7

Why is he being late every time we arrange to meet?

(a) is he being
(b) arrange
(c) meet

English Error, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #4 "Present Tense", answer 7

Why is he late every time we arrange to meet?

Correct entry: is he
The error was: (a) is he being
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Dear Sir,

Am I right? Please advise.

Thank you.

[Pamela]

You're right. Surely, Alan will give you a perfect explanation about this.

But I think that is he being late is Present Continuous Passive.

[Alan]

Hi,

Yes, that's the right answer. You would have to say: Is he late? Is he being? is not necessary because the continuous active form would repeat the idea again of 'be' as a state. Is he being is really half of a passive construction as in: Is he being taken to the station by car?

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/run