Continuous Verb Forms Advanced Grammar Reference
Continuous Verb Forms Advanced Grammar Reference
Continuous Verb Forms Advanced Grammar Reference
General
1 Use continuous verb forms to describe actions which we see happening over a period of
time.
Theyve been watching a soap opera over the past few weeks.
a temporary.
Were visiting my Aunt. Shes recovering from an operation.
d incomplete.
Ive been reading War and Peace. (= I havent finished it yet)
We were just talking about the new restaurant. (= we havent finished talking about it)
Note: The idea of completion is especially important with continuous perfect forms. Simple perfect
forms emphasise completion and consequently the result of the action.
Susan has studied very hard for these exams. (= the studying is finished. Perhaps the
exams have started)
Susan has been studying really hard for these exams. (= this is what she has been doing.
Perhaps the exams havent started
yet)
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Continuous verb forms
3 The continuous infinitive (to) be + -ing also emphasises that an action is in progress at a
particular time.
Compare to:
However, always + the continuous form is also common. This stresses the repetitiveness of
the action and can indicate that the speaker finds the situation infuriating, strange or
surprising.
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Continuous verb forms
In this case, either there is a future time phrase in the sentence, or it is clear from the context that
we are talking about the future.
4 Modal verbs
With modal verbs, the continuous infinitive can have a different meaning from the simple
infinitive.
1 State verbs
Verbs which describe states only occur in the simple form.
be
verbs of possession and unchangeable states such as have, weigh, measure, fit.
I weigh a lot at the moment.
verbs to do with the senses such as appear, see, look, smell, taste.
I can see him right now.
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Continuous verb forms
a The verb to be occurs in the continuous form when it refers to behaviour which is
temporary and/or deliberate (i.e. a kind of action).
Note that is being cannot be used when there is no volition (deliberate will) involved.
b Other verbs have a different meaning in their continuous and simple forms.
States Actions
I see youve lost your watch. (= with my eyes) Were seeing Vincent tonight. (= meeting)
We think the match is finished. Theyre thinking about the offer on the
(= suppose/guess) house. (=considering)
They have always admired Marvin Gaye. She was admiring my shoes. (= looking at
(= have a good opinion of) and approving/appreciating)
She has two cars. (= possess) Theyre having dinner at the moment.
(= in progress)
Note: Verbs such as feel, hurt and ache can be used in either simple or continuous form with no
difference in meaning.
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