Continuous Verb Forms

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)