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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > Do you see / are you seeing that boat?
Do you see / are you seeing that boat?
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Panteleimon
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Do you see / are you seeing that boat?
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Hi sth simple and complexi came across a test answer of one of my student and i can �t explain why he is wrong in writing are you seeing that boat? It �s my father �s. whereas the correct answer is do you see that boat? It �s my father �s. |
22 Feb 2010
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yanogator
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There was a similar question last week. We generally don �t use the present continuous with the senses, except when it is more of a passive use of the sense.
I �m feeling sick.
I �m tasting some garlic in the soup.
I �m seeing spots in front of my eyes.
These are situations where the sense is happening, but "I" am not actively doing anything.
I see a boat (because I �m looking at the water).
I hear the birds.
Your bread smells very good.
These are more "solid" situations of using the senses, so they use the simple present.
I hope this helps.
Bruce |
22 Feb 2010
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serene
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The verb "to see" is a stative verb when it means "to see with my eyes" and it isn �t used in the continuous tenses. Instead, we can say "Can you see that boat?" |
22 Feb 2010
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Tere-arg
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You cannot use the verb "see" in a progressive/continuous form except when it means "meet"
I would say ...can you see that boat? althoughmI think the wy you are putting it is also used.
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22 Feb 2010
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anitarobi
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See is one of the verbs which don �t go with -ing and are not used in the Continuous tenses. There are cases which allow seeing, but it doesn �t have the basic meaning. Some examples have already been listed here, and here are some more.
I thought I was seeing things, as I was so tired. - meaning=imagining, halucinating
At that time she was seeing a married man. - meaning=dating, going out with
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:
- She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
- She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct
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22 Feb 2010
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kmtr
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Occasionally "see" is used in continuous, but for emphasis right in the moment-- for example "Are you seeing what I �m seeing?" -- emphasizing something really surprising or shocking that is currently occurring before your eyes.
It seems that this way isn �t really "correct", but it is common usage. |
22 Feb 2010
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