[English] Grammar(I am doing and I do)

Topic: Action Grammar(I am doing and I do)

1. The following verbs are not normally used in the present continuous

like want need prefer

know understand recognize

believe suppose remember mean

belong fit contain consist seem

2. Think

When think means 'believe' or 'have an opinion'. We do not use the continuous.

• I think Mary is Canadian, but I'm not sure. ( not I'm thinking )

When think means 'consider' the continuous is possible ( = What is your opinion? )

• I'm thinking about what happened. I often think about it.
• Nicky is thinking of giving up her job. ( = she is considering it)

3. We normally use the simple present with see/hear/smell/taste

1. Do you see that man over there?
2. The room smells bad.

4. look or feel

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

1. You look well today = You're looking well today
2. How do you feel now? = How are you feeling now?

5. am/is/are being

behaving now

1. I can't understand why he's being so selfish. He isn't usually like that.
2. I'm being very careful.

compare

1. He never thinks about other people. He's very selfish.
2. I don't like to take risks. I'm a very careful person.

We use am/is/are being to say how a person is behaving now.
It is not usually possible in other situations.

1. Sam is sick.
2. Are you tired?