Sudburygirl
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- May 4, 2010
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How do I explain why this is sentence wrong to an esl student?
'She is liking science fiction'
'She is liking science fiction'
I have heard people say, 'I am loving it'. Is it wrong? After all, 'like' and 'love' are pretty close.
not a teacher
Can we use the continuous form in these sentences if the situation is temporary?Certain verbs (stative verbs), in general, may not use the present continuous/progressive verb form. The verb "to like" is one of those verbs. So, those verbs default to the simple present form and your example should read, "She likes science fiction". Google "stative verbs" to get a complete list .
No, you would have to say: "I don't like it at all".Can we use the continuous form in these sentences if the situation is temporary?
A: How are you getting on with your new job?
B: I'm not liking it at all.
Thank you
Thanks for the replyNo, you would have to say: "I don't like it at all".
No, it's not, as has been explained by another poster "like" is a stative verb, it cannot be used like that.Thanks for the reply
If I wrote it like this one, is it correct?
Well, at the moment, I am not liking it at all.
Thank you
How do I explain why this is sentence wrong to an esl student?
'She is liking science fiction'
how about this one....I'm thinking English is difficult.
what is the explanation of why its incorrect?
How about this oneForgive me for disagreeing with everyone who has posted before, but common usage IS grammar. It's an evolutionary process, yes, and many usage experts don't yet accept some of these continuous forms, but I have no trouble with many of these stative verbs being used in the continuous in the right context. (That awful McDonald's slogan is not one of them. :-( )
That context that works for me is when the speaker recognizes the temporary nature of the state.
I like your drawing that is in progress now, but based on your concept sketch I'm not sure if I will later: I'm liking what I'm seeing. Let's see how it goes.
I don't like it now, but I hope it will improve: How am I getting along in my new job? Well, I'm not liking it at all, but I have faith it will be better.
Your daughter is having fun right now, but knows her trip is about to end: She is loving Paris, and dreading returning home.
You are not always a jerk, but you are acting like one right now: You are being a jerk!
Marginal; I wouldn't say it. But I agree with Barb. All stative verbs can be used in the continuous tense in the right context. The suggestion that "I'm not liking it at all" is wrong is an assertion based on older British sensitivities, but not on current usage.How about this one
Betty is with us at the moment. The kids are loving having her here.
Thank you
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