Verb + いる

[berrypie]

I notice that 「いる」is used after a verb, such as
カナダに住んでいる

実家から遠くの学校に行っているん ですね(Quoted from Nagoyankee さん)

寝ています <- I am sleeping
寝ます <- sleep

When should I use いる after a verb? Does いる act like the present tense (verb+ing in English)?

As I understand, いる also has other meaning, such as
そばにいる (I am) by your side
あなたがここにいる You are here

Once again, Nagoyankee さん、直してくれてありがとう！

I always ask stupid questions in here, but I really really want to thank those who help me out! (Especially Nagoyankee さん、Harold さん)

[RegPaq]

yeah you're right "iru" means to be for (for things that are alive-"aru" for not alive) It can also mean "to need".

When you have a verb in the "te" form and then add the verb "iru" its like saying its an ongoing action. "nemasu" is to sleep, but if you said it I would assume you mean I'm going to go to sleep. IF you said "neteiru" I would ask who is sleeping (unless the subject was already discussed)?

nemasu - going to sleep
neteiru - sleeping.

kind of like the "ing" in english

sundeimasu - living
that was used there because its an ongoing action
hope that helps