Verbs Exercise 3   Present continuous / present simple contrasted (2)   Return

We use the present continuous for actions and events, and the present simple for feelings and states. We don't normally say:

XX I am knowing. The dog is wanting a biscuit.

The verbs in the following table are not normally used in the continuous tense.

belong contain consist depend seem like
love hate want prefer need know
realise suppose mean understand remember believe
eg   She doesn't realise how difficult the job is.
    I understand what you mean.

The verbs for the senses are also not usually used in the continuous tense:

see smell hear taste
eg   This carpet smells mouldy. It needs cleaning.
    Grandmother doesn't hear well so you have to speak up.

If the verb think is used with the meaning of having an opinion, then it is used in the present simple.

eg I think this is a difficult exercise. What are you thinking about?

Referring to the future, we can use the continuous tense to indicate plans or intended actions in the future.

eg We are meeting next week to discuss this suggestion. I'm going to the cinema this evening.

Now fill in the appropriate form of the verb in the blanks (don't use contractions).

Your Name:

1. Monday mornings (suit) me fine.

2. Mary (think) it is a good idea so we (consider) his proposal carefully.

3. The property (belong) to his parents.

4. The outcome (depend) on a number of factors.

5. Your casserole (taste) delicious.

6. This rule (apply) to all people working for the company.

7. The children (be) silly, so just (ignore) them.

8. The project (involve) contacting a number of different authorities.

9. The letters EEC (stand) for the European Economic Community.

10. I (see) perfectly well what you have in mind.

11. We (see) Peter this evening.

12. He (think) about accepting their offer.

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