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In the English language, the progressive aspect ("is eating") is prominent.

In the closely related Scandinavian languages, there is no progressive aspect, and auxiliary forms such as "now", "in fare [journey] with" or "holds on" replace it.

"he is dying" would become "he is in fare with to die" or "he holds on to die", for example.

Often though, the aspect is obvious from context:

- What does he now?
- He cleans the house.

No need for auxiliary phrases in such cases.