Simple and continuous verb forms

Post date: Nov 25, 2014 12:42:07 PM

Simple

The simple aspect describes an action that is seen to be complete. This encompasses:

• single, completed actions.

  • I broke my leg

  • I have read this book

• habits and routines

  • I get up at 9

• states

  • I like chips

Continuous

The continuous aspect describes actions that are temporary not permanent, and have duration. The action is not seen to be complete - we are viewing it at some point between when it starts and when it ends. This encompasses:

• temporary activities

  • I am staying with friends at the moment

• activities that are interrupted

  • he was sleeping when I arrived

• incomplete actions

  • I have been reading a book

• activities that are incomplete and have duration

  • I have been studying English for ages

Although this form is usually used with dynamic verbs, at rare exceptions some stative verbs are used in the continuous form:

• To show exception in an usual state:

  • He is a charming person, but today he is being particularly naughty.

Notice that it can only be used for a present situation.

Tips

A good way if you have problems with that is to ask check questions:

• Is it complete?

• Is it temporary?

• Is it happening/did it happen over a period of time?