Transcript
Continuous FormsGeneral Advanced English Budapest Corvinus University
General
We use continuous verb forms to describe actions which we see happening over a period of time.
Temporary
Happening around a point of time
Involving change or development
Imcomplete (perfect forms)
Notice the time
I hear you’re doing a cookery course.
We were watching an interesting series about murderers.
We’re staying with my uncle while our house is being decorated.
At 12 o’clock, James was still working on his computer.
There’s no doubt the world’s climate is changing.
Notice the time cont’
We were having a very interesting conversation. (before interrupted)
I’ve been reading Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. (but I have not finished it)
Always + Continuous Forms
Always + the simple form simply indicates that something happens regularly.
Example:
I always start work early.
…but
Cont.
Always + continuous form is also common. Receptiveness of the action..
Speaker finds the repeated action surprising, strange or irritating.
Example:
Joanna was always dreaming about her wedding day.
I’m always locking myself out
Past Continuous for Polite Requests
Used to make requests more polite and TENTATIVEI was wondering if you could recommend a good restaurant?
I was hoping you might help me with this application form.
Present Continuous for future arrangements
Used to describe arrangements (plans) for the future.What are you doing over Christmas holiday?
They are opening a new restaurant next week!
Modal Verbs
The continuous infinitive can have a different meaning from the simple infinitive.
They might be staying at the Marriot Hotel (present possibility)
They might stay at the Sheraton Hotel. (future possibility)
What a terrible noise! They must be having a party. (logical necessity)
We must have a party soon. (personal obligation)
Verbs which change meaning in Continuous
and Simple FormsState Verbs
Verbs which describe states only occur in the simple form.
-Nick seems very friendly
-I didn’t know Claire’s dad
State Verbs??
Be
Verbs of possession and unchangeable states (have, weigh, measure, fit)
Verbs to do with the senses (appear, see, look, smell taste)
Verbs describing thoughts and processes (think, feel, expect)
All use simple form!!!!
Verbs to describe states or actions
If the state verbs we just mentioned are used in continuous form, they become actions of some sort.
“To be” occurs in continuous form when it refers to behaviour which is temporary and/or deliberate (i.e. a kind of ‘action’)
example
Why is everybody so unhelpful??They are always like this—a state
Why is everybody BEING so unhelpful? They are not normally like this
REMEMBER
StatesActions
It looks/appears to be OK (=seems)
I see a bright light. (=with my eyes)
And the man is looking at his watch.
She’s appearing in public for the first time. (performance)
I’m seeing Thomas tonight. (=meeting)
StatesAction
I think that’s all. (suppose/guess)
I have a large family. (possess)
I’m thinking about what you said. (considering)
She’s having a coffee. (taking)
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