Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hela]

Dear teachers,

1) Is it true that the progressive aspect when used with adverbs of frequency like always, forever, eternally, perpetually, continually, constantly, repeatedly may express either

� emphasis or approval.

ex: I am always hearing strange stories about him. (stative verb ?)
Those children are continually getting into trouble.
(emphasis or disapproval ?)

He is always reading. She is always helping people.
She is indefatigably / untiringly helping people.
(approval or disapproval ?)

I was always hearing strange stories about him.
Those children were continually getting into trouble.

or

� disapproval, reproach or complaint.

ex: Our burglar alarm is forever going off for no reason.
He is always snoring in his sleep.
He was always snoring in his sleep.

2) And is it true that both the simple present / past and the progressive can express a bad habit ?

ex: I always lose my keys = I am always losing my keys.
(same meaning ?)

He always works late at the office = He is always working late at the office. (?)

Do you have other (or better) examples for me please ?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Hela

[helen1]

Hi Hela,

Looking at your examples:

[hela]

Thank you Helen for your reply. That what very clear, thank you.

Best wishes,
Hela