This document discusses the use of continuous verb forms in English. It explains that continuous forms describe actions over a period of time and are used to express actions that are temporary, around a specific point in time, involve change, or are unfinished. It provides examples of using the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous correctly based on whether an action is finished or unfinished. It also discusses using the continuous form with "always" to describe irritating or surprising ongoing actions, and using the present continuous to discuss future arrangements. Finally, it notes that state verbs are generally only used in their simple form except when they take on an action-like meaning.

1. CONTINUOUS VERB
FORMS

2. Continuous
 Describe actions over a period of time (duration):
 TEMPORARY
 I’ve been reading a lot recently
 AROUND A POINT IN TIME
 I’ll be waiting for you at the hall at 12,00
 INVOLVE CHANGE
 Globalisation is changing the world
 UNFINISHED
 We were swimming when it started raining

3. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE vs
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
 I’ve been painting my flat this week (unfinished)
 I’ve been reading Hanif Kureishi’s short stories ( unfinished)
 I’ve painted the flat this week (finished)
 I’ve read Hanif Kureishi’s short stories (finished)

4. CONTINUOUS + ALWAYS
 Irritating or surprising action:
 You’re always picking on me!
 How can she be always complaining!
 They were always helping others

5. ARRENGEMENTS: Present continuous
 I’m seeing Sue tomorrow evening
 The council is opening a new information office next week.
 What are you doing this holidays?

6. STATE VERBS
 ONLY SIMPLE FORMS except when they become “actions”:
 BE: volition (deliberate will)
 You’re being so unreasonable!
 LOOK / APPEAR (not seem/perform)
 SEE (meet)
 THINK (consider)
 EXPECT (wait for)
 ADMIRE (look at)
 HAVE (take)
 WEIGH
 FIT (install)