There are verbs that are not normally used in the
Continuous Aspect because of their lexical meaning. These
include:
- verbs denoting instant actions:
Jackson kicks the ball and scores the final
goal.
- verbs denoting universal truths
and permanent characteristics: Fish
swim.
- verbs of inert perception:
The flower smells nice.
-
verbs of mental activity: I remember what he
said.
- verbs of feeling: I
don’t like lazy people.
- verbs denoting
relation: This book belongs to his
brother.
These verbs are commonly used in the
Simple Aspect. Using them in the Continuous Aspect implies a voluntary
action:
a) we can replace them with
synonyms:
ex: I hear something. versus
I am listening to music.
b) we can use
verbs denoting permanent states as verbs denoting
activities:
ex: The cake tastes good versus
I am tasting the cake.
I think you are right
versus He is thinking of his
future.
c) we can use them with other
meanings:
ex: I am seeing my doctor tomorrow
(meet)
He is having a party.
(throw a party)
d) we can use them to
express an exception, a temporary situation:
ex: He is kind
versus He is being kind today.
e) we
can use them in the Continuous Aspect to denote a gradual intensification of the action:
Peter is resembling his father more and more.
No comments:
Post a Comment