Simple Vs Continuous aspect

Simple and continuous aspects; activity and state verbs
Simple and continuous aspects

We use simple verb forms to describe something that is	We use continuous verb forms to describe something that is
 Repeated   Completed   Permanent	 In progress at a specific point in time   Unfinished  Temporary

Activity verbs

State verbs

To talk about activities and actions. We can use activity verbs in both simple and continuous verb forms I play tennis every weekend Carla’s playing tennis at the moment Play, fly, travel, listen, run, work, sit, study, wait...

To talk about states, feelings and opinions. We don’t usually these verbs in continuous verb forms I want a new car I’m waiting a new car Be, have, own, belong, posses, exist, think, know, believe, understand, remember, forget, mean, recognise, suspect, realise, doubt, imagine, suppose, like, hate, love dislike, prefer, want, adore, detest, wish, hear, seem, need, agree, hope, weigh, contain, suit, fit, respect, cost, smell, consist of, deserve, involve, trust, envy, include...

Some verbs can describe activities and states, but the meaning changes:

See	I’m supposed to be seeing (=meeting) my client at 11 am, but I see (=with my eyes) the flight’s been delayed
Have	I have (=possess) three kids, so I’m having (=experiencing) a good familiar life
Think	I’m also thinking of (=considering) buying a camera, but I think (=have an opinion) the might be cheaper online
Be	My youngest son is (=permanent characteristic) usually very good, but he’s being (=behaving) very difficult today