verb +고 있다 (The continuous tense)

As we know, the popular verb '있다' (to have, to exist) has its honorific form '계시다'.

• v + 고 있다.

• v + 고 계시다.

• Must be distinguished form V + 아/어 있다 which is used to express the existence of a state or a fact.

I/ Examples: (koreanwikiproject)

- 살고 있다. <살다 to live> (The verb 살다 often goes in this tense)

- 씻고 있다. <씻다 to wash>

- 하고 있다. <하다>

- 동생은 과일을 먹고 있어요. My little sister is eating some fruit.

- 동생은 컴퓨터게임을 하고 있어요. My little brother is playing a computer game.

- 나는 음악을 듣고 있어요.

- 나는 신문을 읽고 있어요.

- 나는 강릉시 살고 있어요. I live in Gangneung. I'm living in Gangneung.

II/ (bonewso.net) Verb + 고 + 있다.
This pattern is attached to action verbs to show a process or continuing action. Remember that:

- can't be used for the immediate future (i.e. I'll be taking a test soon.)

- 있다 can be replaced by honorific verb 계시다.

- tense and/or negation are expressed in the final 있다.

- when used with verbs of wearing or contact, can mean either ongoing action or present state resulting from having done the action (i.e. He is putting on{or is wearing} a shirt.)

Examples:

- 개가 자고 있다. The dog is sleeping

- 열심히 일하고 있었어요. He has been working diligently.

(see also -는 중이다)
III/ reference more: koreanlanguagenotes.blogspot.com