Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring
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Using verb patterns to represent perceptions | page 12 of 13 |
Present simple v present continuous tense
With verbs which represent perceptions, the present simple tense is the normal tense for referring to the present situation. Note that when used in the present simple tense, these verbs typically represent involuntary perceptions, (compared with deliberate actions):
I can smell something burning! (Bank of English)
Well you know, she's grown very fast, she's grown so much, that's what I think causes her to tire easily. But I can see her growing, and it is a big strain on a thirteen year old girl. (Bank of English)
Note that it is not normally possible to represent the same idea in the present continuous:
I am smelling something burning!
Well you know, she's grown very fast, she's grown so much, that's what I think causes her to tire easily. But I am seeing her growing, and it is a big strain on a thirteen year old girl.
However, it is possible to use the present continuous with some perception verbs when referring to deliberate actions:
The maid testified that she collapsed after putting the children to bed. Later that night, she woke and found the defendant standing next to her bed, feeling her back with his hand and touching her chest. (SCMP 11/9/92)
Note that while verbs like smell, taste, feel can be used in either present simple or present continuous, depending on the meaning, a different verb is necessary with hear and see to refer to a deliberate action, ie listen to and watch respectively.
It is also possible to use the present continuous with some perception verbs when what is being perceived is still in progress:
Although we are still seeing a steady increase in the number of HIV infections, we are seeing an explosive increase in the number of AIDS cases. (SCMP 27/4/94)
The use of seeing here indicates that the number of HIV infections and AIDS cases is continuing to increase.
With some perception verbs, it is possible to use either the present simple or the present continuous interchangeably, with almost no change in meaning:
How do you feel? (Bank of English)
How are you feeling? (Bank of English)
Oh, my brain hurts. (Bank of English)
Oh, my brain is hurting.
For further information about the present simple and present continuous, see 
Using the present simple and continuous: Overview.
Introduction
Present simple v present continuous tense
