Present Continuous and Present Simple 2

Some verbs describe states, not actions. You don’t say I am knowing or they are liking. You say I know and they like. These are called stative verbs, and they almost always use the present simple, even when you’re talking about right now.

Stative Verbs

These verbs are not normally used in the present continuous:

• I’m hungry. I want something to eat. (not I’m wanting)
• The new contract contains several payment terms we need to review.
• This server room belongs to the IT department.
• Anna doesn’t seem very happy right now.

Think

Think changes meaning depending on the form you use.

• What do you think of the new proposal? (= what is your opinion?)
• She’s thinking of leaving her job. (= she is considering it)

See, Hear, Smell, Taste

With see, hear, smell, and taste, use the present simple:

• *Do you see that sign by the entrance?* (not are you seeing)
• The break room smells. Let’s open a window.
• This coffee doesn’t taste right.

Look and Feel

Look and feel are different. When you describe how someone looks or feels right now, both forms work:

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

But for a general or habitual statement, use the present simple only:

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

Is Being + Adjective

You can say he’s being… or you’re being… to talk about how someone is behaving right now, not how they are in general.

• “The path is icy. Don’t slip.” — “Don’t worry. I’m being very careful.”
• I don’t like to take risks. I’m a very careful person.

You can only use is being for behaviour — things people choose to do. You cannot use it for states like illness or tiredness:

• Sam is ill. (not Sam is being ill)
• *Are you tired?* (not Are you being tired?)

Quick Self-Check