CONTINUOUS VERB FORMS
emphasises that an action is in progress at a
General
1 We use continuous verb forms to describe actions
which we see happening over a period of time.
I hear you're doing a cookery course.
We were watching an interesting series about murders.
I've been trying to phone you. (= over a period of time)
When you finish work, we'll be waiting for you outside.
With simple verb forms we are not interested in this
sense of duration.
2 We may also see the situation as:
temporary.
We're staying with my uncle while our house is
being decorated.
happening around a point of time.
At 120 'clockJames was still working on his
computer.
Don't phone me at 12:00. /'lL be having a meeting.
involving change or development.
She was getting more disobedient every day.
There's no doubt the world's climate is changing.
incomplete.
We were having a very interesting conversation
(= before you interrupted)
I've been reading Nelson Mandela's
autobiography.
(= but I haven't finished it)
NOTICE!
3 The continuous infinitive (be/to be + -ing) also
particular time.
Wherever you go nowadays, everyone seems to be
speaking English. (= They are speaking English when 'I
hear them.)
Compare this to:
Wherever you go nowadays, everyone seems to
speak English. ('" They are generally able to speak
English.)
Special uses of continuous forms
1 ALWAYS + continuous form
always + the simple form simply indicates that
something happens regularly.
I always start work early.
However, always + the continuous form is also
common. This stresses the repetitiveness of the
action and often indicates that the speaker finds t he
repeated action surprising, strange or irritating.
Stanley was always dreaming up strange schemes
make money.
Christian's always smiling.
I'm always locking myself out.
We use constantly,forever, continually, etc. in the
same way.
How can I be expected to work ifyou're constantly
interrupting?
My parents were continually criticising me.
2 Past continuous for polite requests
We can use the Past continuous to make requests more
polite and tentative.
I was wondering ifyou could recommend a good
restaurant.
I was hoping you might help me with this application for
3 Present continuous for future arrangements
The Present continuous is commonly used to
arrangements for the future.
They're opening that new hypermarket next week.
What are you doing over Christmas?
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. (See Unit 3 and Unit 9
Language summaries, pages 120 and 144.)
so • Modal verbs STATES ACTIONS
ith modal verbs, the continuous infinitive can have a
ifferent meaning from the simple infinitive. It looks/appears to be OK. And the referee is looking at his
')be j might be staying at the Sheraton Hotel. (= present (= seems) watch ...
'hen Slbility) She's appearing in public for
ey might stay at the Sheraton Hotel. (= future possibility) the firsttime . (= performing)
at a terrible noise! They must be having a party. (= I see a bright light. I
I'm seeing Thomas tonight.
s to cal conclusion) (= with my eyes) (= meeting)
ea< must have a party soon. (= personal obligation) I think that's all. I'm thinking about what you
(= suppose/guess) said. (= considering)
_ ___________________________ ________ _ I expect you're tired. I'm expecting an important
(= imagine) phone call. (= waiting for)
s which change meaning in continuous and
- :lIe forms I have always admired I was just admiring your new
Roosevelt. (= have had a good car. (= looking at it with
opinion of) appreciation)
State verbs
I have a large family. She's having a bath. (= taking)
Verbs which describe states only occur in the simple (= possess)
form.
It weighs 82 kg and measures The nurse is weighing and
k seems very friendly 3 metres. (a fact) measuring the baby.
idn't know Cia ire 's dad He died before we met. (an activity)
The most common state verbs are:
My suit doesn't fit me any A man is fitting a new shower
js be. more. unit. (= installing)
verbs of possession and unchangeable states (= It's not the correct size.)
(have, weigh, measure,fit).
Oh, dear! This dress doesn'tfit any more!
verbs to do with the senses NOTICE!
(appear, see, look, smell, taste).
'€ The minister appears puzzled by the accusations
gainsthlm.
verbs describing thoughts and processes
(think, feel, expect).
expect he'll soon be here .

. ::rlls to describe states or actions

If the verbs above are used in the continuous form,
hey become 'actions' of some sort.
I i
The verb be occurs in the continuous form when
it refers to behaviour which is temporary and/or
deliberate (i.e. a kind of 'action').
is everybody so unhelpful? (= They are always like
. a state .)
ly is everybody being so unhelpful? (= They are not
' Ia.ly like this.)
ote that is being cannot be used when there is no
olition (deliberate will) involved.
:> 'leather is very wet at the moment. [,/}

'leather is being very hot at the moment. [X}

Ot her verbs have a different meaning in their
continuous and simple forms .
'"