〜つつある tsutsu aru

〜つつある（tsutsu aru）means “to be in the process of (gradually) ~ing”. Attaches to the masu-stem of a verb to show that a change or action is steadily progressing toward a result. Formation: V-ます（去ます）+ つつある

to be in the process of (gradually) ~ing

N2

Formation

V-ます（去ます）+ つつある

Explanation

Attaches to the masu-stem of a verb to show that a change or action is steadily progressing toward a result. It stresses an ongoing, gradual movement in one direction. More formal/written than 〜ている.

Examples

地球の温暖化は今も進みつつある。
ちきゅうのおんだんかはいまもすすみつつある。
Global warming is still progressing even now.
若者の意識は少しずつ変わりつつある。
わかもののいしきはすこしずつかわりつつある。
Young people's attitudes are gradually changing.

Note

Mainly used with verbs of change/movement. 〜つつある = ongoing change; do not confuse with 〜つつ (= ながら, 'while').

FAQ

〜つつある — what does it mean and how is it used?

to be in the process of (gradually) ~ing. Attaches to the masu-stem of a verb to show that a change or action is steadily progressing toward a result. It stresses an ongoing, gradual movement in one direction. More formal/written than 〜ている.

〜つつある — how do you form it?

V-ます（去ます）+ つつある

〜つつある — any usage notes?

Mainly used with verbs of change/movement. 〜つつある = ongoing change; do not confuse with 〜つつ (= ながら, 'while').

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