〜つつある

About

The ～つつある pattern is formal in tone, and is most commonly used in written scenarios (although it is occasionally used in casual conversation).

～つつある is used to indicate that a given action is in progress, and should be used with verbs that can progress and/or change in state.

We can approximate ～つつある in English with "X continues to Y", or by using the "-ing" form of a verb.

～つつある attaches to verb stems.

E.g. 寂さびしいことに、個人こじん経営けいえいの店みせがなくなりつつある。 "Sadly, privately-run stores are disappearing."

E.g. PoyPolで払はらえる店みせが増ふえつつあります。 "Stores where you can pay with PoyPol are increasing in number."

E.g. 少子高齢化しょうしこうれいかが進すすみつつあるなかで、するべきことは何なんだろうか。 "As the population continues to age and birth rates decline, what should we be doing?"

Summary

• 

  The ～つつある pattern is formal in tone

• 

  ～つつある is most commonly used in written scenarios

• 

  ～つつある is used to indicate that a given action is in progress, and should be used with verbs that can progress and/or change in state

• 

  ～つつある attaches to verb stems