The use of the continuous - I am thinking, you were going etc

Open Forum in English
1

I am not a grammar teacher but here is a start on this subject. In general non-native speakers overuse the continuous.

  1. The continuous is like a video clip and the simple form is like a photograph.
  2. In many cases, we can use either one and both work fine.
  3. When in doubt use the simple form, the photograph.

Video clip (continuous)

I am eating breakfast now.
Why are you asking me that question (now)?
How are you doing?
I am hoping he will come.

I was just about to start eating breakfast when the phone rang.
I was finishing my book when the phone rang.
Were you working long hours when you lived in Tokyo?
I was working long hours in Tokyo when I realized that I was not eating enough.

Photograph(simple)

I eat breakfast every day.
Why do you ask?
How do you do?
I hope he will come.

I ate breakfast and then the phone rang.
As soon as I finished reading, he called.
Did you work long hours when you lived in Tokyo?
I always worked long hours when I lived in Tokyo.

2

In the case of my questions on the Russian language forum the answer is:

  1. In many cases, we can use either one and both work fine.

Thanks :slight_smile:

3

Fine points Steve, I think it helps me to use these forms more correctly.
Thanks

4