Lesson 1 part B : Present Continuous: I am doing (2)

The present continuous tense, though widely used, isn’t suitable for all situations. Here are some cases where you wouldn’t use the present continuous with “be + verb-ing”:

1. Actions that are habitual or unchanging:

• You’ve absolutely captured the essence of when the present continuous tense isn’t used! Here are some additional thoughts:

  • Great examples: You’ve provided clear examples to illustrate the difference between the present continuous and the present simple tense for habits and facts.

  • Sensory verbs: The point about sensory verbs is well made. While they typically use the present simple tense, the present continuous can be used in specific situations to emphasize an ongoing action related to the sense. Your example of “My eyes are burning” is perfect.

  Overall, your explanation effectively highlights the limitations of the present continuous tense. Is there anything else you’d like to explore regarding verb tenses or the present continuous in particular?

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2. States that are not temporary:

• The present continuous is for temporary states or actions. It’s not used for feelings, emotions, beliefs, or states of being that are long-lasting.

• Incorrect: I am believing in aliens. (Belief is usually ongoing.)

• Correct: I believe in aliens. (This expresses a fixed belief.)

• Incorrect: He is hating vegetables. (Dislike is likely long-term.)

• Correct: He hates vegetables. (This expresses a general dislike.)

3. Actions completed in the past:

• The present continuous focuses on the present moment or a period around it. It’s not used for actions that are entirely finished in the past.

• Incorrect: She is studying French yesterday. (The action happened completely in the past.)

• Correct: She studied French yesterday. (This uses the simple past tense for a completed action.)

• Incorrect: We are having dinner last night. (The dinner is over.)

• Correct: We had dinner last night. (Simple past for a finished event.)

4. Future events not planned in advance:

• While the present continuous can sometimes indicate planned future events, it’s not used for spontaneous future actions.

• Incorrect: They are meeting their friends tomorrow. (Unless the meeting is already arranged.)

• Correct: They will meet their friends tomorrow. (Simple future for an unplanned event.)

5. Sensory verbs (in most cases):

• Sensory verbs like see, hear, smell, taste, and touch generally describe states rather than actions. The present continuous is less common with them.

• Incorrect: I am seeing a red car. (Unless the seeing is temporary, like focusing on it.)

• Correct: I see a red car. (This expresses the state of seeing.)

Exceptions:

There can be exceptions for sensory verbs when they emphasize an ongoing action:

• Correct: My eyes are burning. (Focuses on the continuous burning sensation.)

Remember:

• The present simple tense is often a better choice for habits, facts, unchanging states, and completed past actions.
• The future tense (simple or continuous) is used for unplanned future events.
• Sensory verbs typically use the present simple tense.

The present continuous: Be + Verb-ing: I am doing …
When we don’t use the continuous form