Unit1

 Lecture: Present Continuous and Present Simple with State Verbs and Performatives

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Welcome! Today, we'll be discussing the use of the present continuous and present simple tenses, focusing on specific verbs known as state verbs and performatives.

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1. State Verbs

State verbs, also known as stative verbs, are typically not used in the continuous form. They describe states, not actions. We often use the present simple with these verbs to emphasize that a situation is temporary or ongoing for a period of time.

• Common Examples: Verbs like be, appear, seem, attract, look, love, and sound are typically used in the simple form.

  • Example: "The children love having her here."

  • Example: "The app doesn't appear to work on my phone." Some state verbs, such as believe and consist of, are rarely used in the continuous form.

• Example: "Some verbs which we rarely use with the present continuous include believe, consist of, and doubt."

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2. Mental State Verbs

Mental state verbs refer to thoughts and feelings. They are generally used in the present simple.

• Common Examples: Verbs like find, realise, regret, think, and understand. However, some of these verbs can be used in the present continuous to emphasize that a situation is temporary or happening for a limited time.

• Example: "I regret that the company will have to be sold." (This is a permanent state of regret)

• Example: "I'm regretting my decision to give her the job." (This highlights a temporary state of regret at this moment) Another example is with the verb think. We use the present continuous to express the process of thinking about something.

• Example: "He's considering taking early retirement." (He is currently thinking about it)

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3. Performatives

Performative verbs are a special group of verbs that perform an action simply by being spoken. When you use a performative verb in the present simple, you are doing the action as you say the words.

• Common Examples: Verbs such as acknowledge, admit, advise, apologize, beg, confess, congratulate, declare, deny, forbid, guarantee, name, order, permit, predict, promise, refuse, remind, request, thank, and warn.

• Example: "I suggest you park outside the city..." (The act of suggesting is done in the moment of speaking).

• Example: "I must beg you to keep this a secret."