Continuous verbforms
Download as PPT, PDF0 likes206 views
The document discusses the use of continuous verb forms in English to describe actions happening over a period of time or ongoing states. It provides examples of how the continuous form is used to indicate temporary actions occurring around a point in time or involving change. It also discusses how the continuous form can be used with modal verbs and polite requests. Certain verbs like state verbs, verbs of possession, and verbs describing thoughts and senses generally use the simple form rather than continuous.
Continuous verbforms
- 1. Continuous Forms General Advanced English Budapest Corvinus University
- 2. 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)
- 3. 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.
- 4. 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)
- 5. Always + Continuous Forms Always + the simple form simply indicates that something happens regularly. Example: I always start work early. …but
- 6. 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
- 7. Past Continuous for Polite Requests Used to make requests more polite and TENTATIVE I was wondering if you could recommend a good restaurant? I was hoping you might help me with this application form.
- 8. Present Continuous for future arrangements Used to describe arranagements(plans) for the future. What are you doing over Christmas holiday? They are opening a new restaurant next week!
- 9. 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)
- 10. Verbs which change meaning in Continuous and Simple Forms State Verbs Verbs which describe states only occur in the simple form. -Nick seems very friendly -I didn’t know Claire’s dad
- 11. 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!!!!
- 12. 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’)
- 13. 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
- 14. REMEMBER
- 15. States Actions 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)
- 16. States Action 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)
Editor's Notes
- #7: P119 p 4