Here's why:
* "Be" is a "to be" verb: It's considered a linking verb, not an action verb. It describes a state of being rather than an action.
* Present participles usually end in "-ing": For example, "running," "eating," "singing." These forms indicate an action in progress.
* "Be" uses different forms for its present participle:
* "Being" is the present participle of "be." It's used in progressive verb tenses, like "I am being helpful."
* "Been" is the past participle of "be," but it can be used in a few situations that resemble a present participle, like "Having been to Paris, I..."
So, while "being" is the present participle of "be," it doesn't function in the same way as the present participles of other verbs. It's more closely related to the progressive tenses of "be."