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Verbs in the -ing form, or not? - English lesson

Knowing how and when to use the simple present, or the present in the -ing form is an easy

exercise for beginners.

It's more tricky for some verbs that can be used in the two forms with two different meanings.

I hope these reminders will help you choose without hesitating.

1) Some verbs hardly ever have an '-ing form' (or 'progressive aspect').

Therefore, they are only used in the 'simple forms':

These verbs express feelings and mental activities:

believe, dislike, doubt, hate, know, like, love, mean, need, prefer, recognise, remember,

suppose, understand, want, wish.

2) Some verbs can be put either in the -ing form, or in the simple form; then, they have

different meanings.

1.BE:

In the -ing form, 'be' describes somebody's present behaviour.

- You're not being funny!

BE is also the auxiliary of the passive form.

- He's being followed by the police.

In other cases, be can't be in the -ing form.

- It's cold/ I'm hungry/ She's tired...

2. FEEL:

in the -ing form, 'feel' means to perceive a condition of body; to have a sensation of being;

but does not mean 'to have a belief of':

- I'm feeling so happy tonight.

- I'm feeling you're right=> I feel he's right.

3. HAVE:

in the -ing form, have expresses activities:

- He's having a shower just now.

Yet for possession, relationships etc use simple forms.

- He doesn't have a car but he runs a lot.

4. SEE:

in the -ing form, 'see' means 'meet, talk with'.

- I'm seeing her tomorrow.

5. THINK:

In the -ing form, think means 'to use one's mind in a reasoning way' or 'to consider

a possible action':

- Leave me alone, I'm thinking!

There we are... I do hope You'll have found this useful. Now, go for the test!

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