This document discusses the use of continuous verb forms in English to describe actions happening over a period of time or ongoing states. It explains that continuous forms are used to indicate temporary actions, actions involving change or development, or incomplete actions. Some key uses of continuous forms covered include describing what someone is doing at a specific time, actions happening around another event, repeated actions that seem surprising, and making requests more tentative. The document also notes how certain state verbs like "be", verbs of possession, and verbs related to senses and thoughts only occur in simple form, not continuous.

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 arrangements (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)