Nem todo verbo pode terminar em ING.

We use continuous tenses only for actions and happenings (eat, rain, walk, etc.). Some verbs are not action verbs. For example: know and like. You cannot say “I am knowing” or “I am liking”.You can only say “I know” and “I like”.

The following verbs are not used in continuous tenses:

like - love - hate - want - need - prefer - know - realize - suppose - mean understand - believe - remember - belong - contain - consist - depend - seem

Examples: • I’m hungry. I want something to eat. • Do you understand what I mean? • John doesn’t seem very happy at the moment.

Think

When think means believe, do not use continuous.

Compare: • What do you think will happen? (believe) • You look serious.What are you thinking about? (what’s on your mind?)

• I am thinking of giving up my job. (considering)

Have

When have means possess, do not use continuous. Compare: • We’re enjoying our holiday.We have a nice room in the hotel.

• We’re enjoying our holiday.We are having a great time.

See - hear - smell - taste

We normally use the present simple with these verbs.

• Do you see that man over there? • This room smells. Let’s open a window. We often use can with these verbs. • Listen! Can you hear something? We use the continuous with see when the meaning is “having a meeting with sb”.

• I’m seeing the manager tomorrow morning. CLASS 8

Be

The continuous form of be is being. I am being / he is being / you are being. We use am/is/are being to say how somebody is behaving. It is not usually possible in other sentences. • I can’t understand why he’s being so selfish. He isn’t usually like that. • It’s hot today. • Sarah is very tired.

Look and feel

You can use the present continuous or simple when you say how somebody looks or feels now.

• You look well today. • You are looking well today. • How do you feel now? • How are you feeling now?

But: I usually feel tired in the morning. (not I’m usually feeling)