present tenses and statesFollowing from my tips on the past simple and state verbs, and its comparison with the past continuous (based on extracts from The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide), this article will explain how the present tense works with states. As demonstrating states can present an irregular pattern when choosing a correct tense, the following notes will help you decide which present tense is most appropriate in different situations. Firstly, as covered with the past tenses, remember that state verbs, for emotions, conditions, possession and senses, such as be, have, feel, seem, look, and belong, should be shown using the simple tenses, even when a continuous tense may seem appropriate (for instance with a temporary or ongoing action). But what happens when we use different present tenses for states? The present perfect is used for states when we want to emphasise the duration of the state, for an action or event that started in the past.
  • I have known about it for weeks.
The present simple tells us that the state is true now.
  • I know all about it.
The present continuous tells us that the state is temporary and ongoing (and beware, this use is often grammatically questionable).
  • I’m liking what I hear.
The present perfect continuous tells us the state is temporary and ongoing, but emphasises that it started in the past (also beware, this is not always appropriate).
  • I’ve been liking this new song. (For some time, up to – and including – now.)
Directly compared, when a choice between the present tenses is possible for a state verb (remember this is not always possible), the present perfect suggests completion, or a state that will be completed in the present, while the present simple shows a state that is true now. The continuous tenses emphasise states that are temporary.
  • I have felt better. (in the past)
  • I feel terrible. (now)
  • I’m feeling bad. (Now, but temporarily.)
  • I’ve been feeling bad all week. (Now, but temporarily, started in the past.)
This is a general example to illustrate the differences. In the wrong context such a direct comparison will bring mistakes – especially when using the continuous tenses for states. If in doubt, choose the simplest option. It is easier to use the simple tenses more flexibly than the perfect tenses, and it usually sounds clearer. For more tips on the subject, please read the related articles in this blog, or check out my grammar guide, The English Tenses.

Want to master the English tenses?

Learn all the rules with The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide, and practise them with The English Tenses Exercise Book, which contains 160 exercises.

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