HOME | Lectia 1 | Lectia 2 | Lectia3 | Lectia4
Present Simple (base form) | Present Continuous (present of BE + ...-ing) |
---|---|
We use the Present Simple: 1. for permanent situations:
2. for repeated actions or habits:
3. for general truths:
4. to tell stories, or summarise the plot of a film or book:
|
We use the Present Continuous: 1. for temporary situations existing for a period at the present time:
2. for situations which are changing during the present time:
3. for actions, or repeted actions or habits, occurring at the moment of speaking:
4. to express annoying habits with words like always:
|
- When we use always with the Present Simple, it usually means "every time" :
I always complain if the service is bad in restaurants. (Mereu ma plang daca servirea este proasta in restaurant.)
- When we use alwais whith the Present Continuous, it means "all the time" or "too/very often":
You're always complaining thet waiters are rude. (mereu te plangi ca chelnerii sunt nepoliticosi.)
- We cannot use never ... again whith the Present Simple:
Not: I never speak to you again.
Correct: I'm never speaking to you again.
- We do not usually use certain verbs in the Present Continuous, e.g.:
apperance: appear, look, resemble, seem
composition: consist of, contain, include, have
connection: come from, concern, cost, fit, suit
experience: be, exist