PRESENT TENSE [RULES]

 

 

                       

 

RULE 02: NON-PROGRESSIVE VERBS

 

 

 

 

 

Ø    We have already heard that non-progressive verbs are used in simple tenses. However, think, see, look, feel and have can be progressive with one meaning but non-progressive with another.

 

think (that) = the German “glauben

     I think (that) you’re wrong.

 

see = the German “verstehen” + “sehen

     I see what you mean.

 

look  = the German “aussehen

     That building looks old.

 

feel = “have an opinion

     I feel you’re making a mistake.

 

have = the German “haben

     They have lots of money.

 

 

thinking about = the German “nachdenken

     I’m thinking about the holidays.

 

seeing = the German “treffen

     I’m seeing the doctor today.

 

looking (“turn eyes towards”) = the Germanschauen

     What are you looking at?

 

feeling ill / tired (can be progressive or simple)

     I’m feeling ill. BUT ALSO I feel ill.

 

having = the German “nehmen, essen, sich amüsieren, eine Party feiern, sich streiten

I’m having a bath. / They are having lunch. / We are having a nice time. / They are having a party. / They are having an argument again.