Present simple

Grammar

Verbs with different meanings when they are states and actions

Some verbs can talk about a state or describe an action, but the meaning changes.

Present continuous

Present simple

State verbs

Dynamic verbs

Grammar

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

An apology by Robleto via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/grobleto/2651622914

When you use a word like "promise" or "apologise", you are doing the action by just saying the word. In those cases, use the present simple and not the continuous.

Mental states and the present continuous for a recent change in thinking

A statue of a man with his head in his hand

Use the present continuous with verbs about mental states and emotions to show a new way of thinking or that we are not sure.

State verbs with the present continuous and present simple

State verbs used with the present continuous or present simple have a slightly different meaning.

Present simple

Verbs with different meanings when they are states and actions

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

Mental states and the present continuous for a recent change in thinking

State verbs with the present continuous and present simple

Articles

Blog

Search form

Present simple

Verbs with different meanings when they are states and actions

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

Mental states and the present continuous for a recent change in thinking

State verbs with the present continuous and present simple

Articles

Blog