Using the present simple and continuous

Using the present continuous

page 6 of 9

With verbs representing perception

Verbs representing perception, eg hear, smell, see, do not typically occur with the present continuous. However, this choice of tense is possible where the clause represents a kind of action rather than simply perception:

A:	What on earth are you doing?!
B:	I'm just smelling the milk to make sure it hasn't gone off. (Husband and Wife)

Compare this to: I smell something burning .

However, note that in many cases English uses a different verb to express "perception as action". Such verbs normally take the present continuous when referring to what is going on at the moment of speaking, just like other action verbs.

For further information about using verbs related to perception in the present continuous, see Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent perceptions (p 12).

Introduction
Actions or events in progress
Repeated actions
Planned actions
With verbs representing thinking
With verbs representing perception
With verbs representing likes and dislikes
With verbs representing desires and needs
With verbs representing being and having