Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring

Teaching implications

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Present simple v present continuous tense

It is useful to point out that with verbs which represent thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, likes, dislikes, desires and needs, the present simple tense is the normal tense for referring to the present situation. Note that the present situation may extend into the past and future as well.

For further information about the choice of tense with thinking verbs, see
Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent thoughts and beliefs (p 14).

For further information about the choice of tense with perception verbs, see
Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent perceptions (p 12).

For further information about the choice of tense with attitude verbs, see
Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent likes and dislikes (p 11).

For further information about the choice of tense with desire verbs, see
Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent desires and needs (p 12).

For further information about the present simple and present continuous, see Using the present simple and continuous: Overview.

Introduction
Common patterns with thinking verbs
Common patterns with perception verbs
Common patterns with attitude verbs
Common patterns with desire verbs
Focusing on the order of participants
Present simple v present continuous tense