Simple vs. Progressive Tenses Explanation and Quiz

Simple vs. Progressive Tenses Explanation and Quiz Here is a comparison between simple and simple progressive tenses. As a rule of thumb please remember that any form of the progressive can only be used with an action verb. Nonprogressive verbs include: Mental States knowbelieveimaginewantrealizefeeldoubtneedunderstandsupposerememberpreferrecognizethinkforgetmean Emotional State lovehatefearmindlikedislikeenvycareappreciate Possession possesshaveownbelong Sense Perceptions tastehearseesmellfeel Other Existing States seemcostbeconsistoflookoweexistcontainappearweighinclude The following exceptions apply to the above:(As an activity) think I am thinking about this grammarhave She is having a good time.taste The chef is tasting the saucesmell He is smelling the flowers.see I am seeing the doctor this afternoon.feel Peter isnt feeling very well today.look They are looking at the picture.appear The big star is appearing at the local theater.weigh The butcher is weighing the steak.be Sally is being stupid. Keeping these verbs in mind, look at the following chart to review the use of the simple progressive tenses (past, present, and future) and the simple tenses (past present, and future). Simple Progressive Tenses (Past, Present, and Future) Continuous Activity:Â  Used to emphasize the continuous nature of any given activity. Examples: I was watching television at 8 oclock last night. Fred is speaking on the telephone at the moment. They will be eating lunch at Harolds tomorrow.Activity in Progress Intersected by a Non-continuous Activity:Â  I was watching television when Susan telephoned. They will be working in the garden when you arrive.Two Continuous Activities Occurring at the Same Time: Peter was cooking dinner while I was working at the computer. Simple Tenses (Past, Present, and Future) Habitual Activity:Â  Used to talk about repeated, regular or habitual activities. Examples: I went to school at 8 oclock when I was a child. I usually take the bus to work Hell commute to work after he moves.Non-continuous Activity: The boys bought some new coats yesterday. They will arrive at 7 oclock.Two Habitual Events:Â  She kept the books and he advised the clients at their last job. Special use of the Progressive: We often use the progressive form to express annoyance at a repeated action. In this case, a time expression such as always, forever, continually, etc. must be inserted between the auxiliary and the verb. Examples:Â  Tom is always complaining about his job! Mary was forever leaving work early. Take the Quiz After having reviewed the usage the simple vs. the simple progressive forms, take the following quiz to check your understanding. Check your answers on the following page. When you arrive tomorrow, I a) will cooking b) will be cooking c) cook dinner.Tom a) was washing the car b) washed the car while I was reading the newspaper.They a) visited b) was visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday.She a) will be participating b) will participate in tomorrows race.Jack a) always complains b) is always complaining about how little he earns.They a) will be going b) will go to work by train for the next month.Frank a) is thinking b) thinks Peter is a bit stupid at the moment.Debbie a) is smelling b) smells the flowers in the garden now.I a) was working b) worked in the basement when you a) were arriving b) arrived. Check Your Answers When you arrive tomorrow, I a) will cooking b) will be cooking c) cook dinner.bTom a) was washing the car b) washed the car at the same time I was reading the newspaper.aThey a) visited b) was visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday.aShe a) will be participating b) will participate in tomorrows race.bJack a) always complains b) is always complaining about how little he earns.bThey a) will be going b) will go to work by train for the next month.bFrank a) is thinking b) thinks Peter is a bit stupid at the moment.bDebbie a) is smelling b) smells the flowers in the garden now.aI a) was working b) worked in the basement when you a) were arriving b) arrived.a, b