SIMPLE AND CONTINUOUS VERB FORMS

Continuous forms are used to:

• describe actions which were, are or will be in progress at a specific time, which is either stated or understood.

When I last met Dr Goodenough, he was still looking for a job.

I am having a really hard time at work at the moment.

Don’t call me at 1.30. I will be having my lunch then.

• describe an activity that has recently stopped.

We have just been changing a light bulb.

• suggest that a situation or action is temporary or incomplete.

My flat is being decorated so I am staying at Dr Goodenough’s.

I have been writing my thesis - I have almost finished.

• emphasize duration, using for or since.

She had been waiting for him for over an hour.

I have been sitting here since three o’clock.

• refer to repeated actions. Always, forever, continually are used with present and past continuous to show that the speaker finds the repetition annoying or curious.

I have been taking that herbal remedy you recommended.

You are forever forgetting your keys!

Dr Goodenough was always climbing trees as a child.

• describe change and development.

Dr Goodenough is growing up - he is getting taller and taller.

• talk about future arrangements.

I am meeting Dr Goodenough at three tomorrow.

Simple forms are used to describe:

• single completed actions.

I have written my thesis. I submitted it yesterday.

• habitual actions.

I often went fishing as a boy but I rarely go now.

• repeated actions where the frequency or number is stated.

I phoned the bank twice yesterday, and I have made another three calls today.

• timetabled or scheduled events in the future.

My train leaves at seven tomorrow morning.

• states. State verbs include appear, believe, know, like, own, prefer, remember, seem, understand, want.

I understand why you like it, but I do not want one.

• some state verbs can be used in the continuous form, but with a change in meaning, eg appear, expect, fit, have, see, smell, think.

I am seeing Dr Goodenough on Friday. (see = meet)

Sorry, I don’t see what you mean. (see = understand)

• The continuous form of the state verb be can be used to describe temporary behavior.

You are not being very helpful. In fact, I think you are being very rude.

• When describing feelings, the verbs feel, hurt and ache can be used in the simple or continuous form with no difference in meaning.

I feel / am feeling tired and my neck hurts / is hurting.

• However, with some time adverbials the simple form must be used:

I feel tired all the time.

My neck hurts when I turn my head.