AEE - Feeling Anxious About English Grammar? Never Fear!

Summary

In this episode, hosts Aubrey and Lindsay discuss how certain state verbs, like 'be,' 'feel,' 'smell,' and others, can be used in both present simple and present progressive forms. They break the myth taught in textbooks that state verbs can't have an '-ing' form. The hosts also explore how modern language trends, especially in conversational English, allow these verbs to express actions in the moment. Through examples and a fun role play, they guide listeners on using these verbs for deeper connections in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Using stative verbs in the present progressive form (like 'feeling' or 'being') is common in conversational English, despite traditional grammar rules.
• 🧘 The episode focuses on feelings and perceptions, showing that verbs like 'be', 'feel', 'smell', 'taste', and 'see' can be used both in present simple and present progressive forms.
• 🌿 The verb 'be' is used to describe temporary states in the progressive form, like 'he is being quiet', indicating something specific happening right now.
• 🤔 'Feel' can be used both ways, e.g., 'I feel sick' or 'I'm feeling sick', with progressive use emphasizing the present moment.
• 👃 Verbs related to senses, such as 'smell', 'taste', and 'see', can also take the progressive form when describing temporary or immediate experiences.
• 💭 Some stative verbs, like 'seem' and 'appear', should not be used in the progressive form. For example, 'She appears to be reasonable' is correct, but 'She is appearing to be reasonable' is not.
• 🎭 The word 'appear' can be tricky as it has both stative and action verb meanings, depending on context. 'She is appearing at the concert' is correct in an action sense, but not when it means 'seems'.
• 🍽️ The role play about a dining-in-the-dark experience demonstrates the use of stative verbs in a conversational context, especially around taste and feelings.
• 📝 The episode emphasizes that while textbooks often teach strict grammar rules, conversational English allows for more flexibility, especially in the use of progressive forms with stative verbs.
• 🎙️ The hosts encourage listeners not to stress over the rules but to focus on connection and communication, especially in spoken English, where using stative verbs in progressive forms is common.

Q & A

What is Aubrey anxious about in the beginning of the script?

Aubrey is anxious about going on a vacation to Sedona with her friends. She is more of an active vacationer who likes to do activities, while her friends prefer relaxing by the pool, making her concerned about how she will adapt.

What misconception about stative verbs does the episode aim to clarify?

The episode aims to clarify the misconception that stative verbs cannot be used in the present progressive form (e.g., 'I'm loving this'). While textbooks often teach that stative verbs should not be in the -ing form, the episode shows that, in modern conversational English, this rule is often broken.

What are stative verbs and why are they considered tricky in English grammar?

Stative verbs describe a state rather than an action, such as 'like', 'love', 'feel', and 'see'. They are tricky because textbooks traditionally teach that they should not be used in the present progressive (-ing) form, but in everyday speech, native speakers often break this rule.

What is an example of a stative verb that can be used both in present simple and present progressive forms?

The verb 'be' is a stative verb that can be used in both present simple and present progressive forms. For example, 'He is quiet' (present simple) and 'He is being quiet' (present progressive).

What are some examples of verbs related to the senses that can be used in both present simple and present progressive forms?

Examples include 'smell' and 'taste'. For instance, 'It smells good' (present simple) and 'I'm smelling saffron' (present progressive), or 'It tastes good' and 'I'm tasting these desserts'.

What is a key difference in meaning when using the present simple vs. present progressive form of a stative verb?

The present simple form often refers to a general or habitual state, while the present progressive emphasizes a temporary or current action. For example, 'I feel sick' suggests a general condition, while 'I'm feeling sick' refers to a temporary feeling at the moment.

What verb is highlighted as an example of one that cannot be used in the present progressive form?

The verb 'seem' is highlighted as one that cannot be used in the present progressive. You would say 'This seems strange', not 'This is seeming strange'.

How does the verb 'appear' differ in meaning when used in a state vs. an action sense?

'Appear' can be a stative verb meaning 'seem', as in 'She appears to be reasonable'. However, in an action sense, 'appear' can mean to physically show up, as in 'Pink is appearing at Madison Square Garden'.

What is the suggested 'pro tip' for knowing when 'appear' is being used as a stative or action verb?

The 'pro tip' is to see if you can replace 'appear' with 'seem' in the sentence. If it works, it's a stative verb (e.g., 'She appears to be reasonable' = 'She seems to be reasonable'). If it doesn’t work, it’s likely being used as an action verb.

What is the key takeaway from the episode regarding stative verbs in conversational English?

The key takeaway is that while textbooks may teach strict rules about stative verbs, native speakers often use these verbs in the present progressive form in casual conversation. This reflects the evolving nature of language, and learners shouldn't stress too much about these rules when aiming for fluent and natural speech.

Outlines

00:00

😅 Balancing Different Vacation Styles

The conversation begins with Lindsay asking Aubrey if she feels anxious about anything. Aubrey shares her nervousness about an upcoming trip to Sedona with friends who prefer relaxing by the pool, while she is more of an active vacationer. They discuss how she might find a balance between relaxation and activity, and Lindsay wishes her luck.

05:00

🤔 Exploring Stative Verbs in English

Lindsay and Aubrey discuss how the stative verb 'feel' is used both in the present tense and present progressive forms in everyday English. Lindsay highlights that while textbooks might discourage using stative verbs in the progressive form, native speakers often use them. They reference previous episodes covering other stative verbs, like 'like' and 'love', and emphasize that modern English usage sometimes breaks traditional rules.

10:02

🌱 Stative Verbs: Feelings and Perceptions

The episode moves to the third category of stative verbs—feelings and perceptions. Aubrey provides examples like 'being quiet' and 'feeling anxious,' showing how verbs like 'be' and 'feel' are commonly used in both simple and progressive forms. They touch on sensory verbs like 'smell,' 'taste,' and 'hear,' explaining that these can also function in both forms depending on context.

15:04

🚫 Stative Verbs That Cannot Be Progressive

The discussion turns to verbs like 'seem' and 'appear,' which typically cannot be used in the progressive form. Aubrey and Lindsay explain why these stative verbs differ from others and provide clear examples to help listeners understand. They offer a pro tip on how to differentiate between the two meanings of 'appear,' which can function as both a stative and an action verb depending on context.

🍽️ Role Play: Dining in the Dark

In a fun role play, Aubrey and Lindsay imagine themselves at a 'dining in the dark' restaurant, unsure of what they're tasting. Through the dialogue, they demonstrate the use of stative verbs like 'taste' and 'feel' in both simple and progressive forms. The role play highlights how subtle the differences can be and how to use both forms naturally.

📖 Breaking Stative Verb Rules in Modern English

The episode wraps up with a reflection on how textbooks may teach that stative verbs should not be used in progressive forms, but this rule has become outdated in modern, conversational English. They encourage listeners not to stress about these rules, pointing out that language evolves and conversational English often breaks traditional grammar rules.

Keywords

💡Stative Verbs

Stative verbs describe a state or condition rather than an action. In the video, the speakers discuss how certain stative verbs, like 'feel' and 'taste,' can be used in both the present simple and present progressive forms, even though traditional grammar rules suggest they should only be used in the present tense. This concept is central to the video’s theme of modern language trends and breaking traditional grammar rules.

💡Present Progressive

Present progressive refers to actions happening right now. The video discusses how stative verbs, which are traditionally not used in the progressive form, are increasingly being used this way in casual speech, such as 'I’m feeling anxious' instead of 'I feel anxious.' This usage emphasizes a more temporary, in-the-moment state.

💡Modern Language Trends

This concept refers to the evolving nature of language, especially in conversational English. The video highlights how native speakers are increasingly using stative verbs in the progressive form, which breaks the traditional grammar rules taught in textbooks. The hosts suggest that this shift makes language feel more natural and present.

💡Perception Verbs

Perception verbs include 'see,' 'hear,' 'taste,' 'smell,' and 'feel.' These verbs describe senses and are often used in both the present simple and progressive forms. The video explains how phrases like 'I’m seeing this' or 'I’m hearing this' make the speaker feel more in the moment, even though traditional grammar rules might dictate the use of present simple ('I see,' 'I hear').

💡Temporary vs Permanent States

The distinction between temporary and permanent states is a key concept in the video. Temporary states are often described using the present progressive, while permanent or general states use the present simple. For example, 'I feel sick' can imply a more general state, while 'I’m feeling sick' suggests a temporary condition. This differentiation helps explain when each form is appropriate.

💡Feelings and Emotions

Feelings and emotions are central to the discussion of stative verbs. The speakers use examples like 'I’m feeling anxious' to show how emotions, though typically described as states, are often expressed in the progressive form to emphasize their temporary or in-the-moment nature. The use of progressive forms for emotions like 'I’m feeling happy' is becoming more common in everyday speech.

💡Language Evolution

Language evolution refers to how languages change over time. The video discusses how English has evolved, especially in terms of how stative verbs are used. Although textbooks may teach that certain verbs shouldn’t be used in the progressive form, native speakers are increasingly using them this way, reflecting a shift in how people communicate.

💡Native Speaker Usage

Native speaker usage is emphasized in the video as a key reason for the grammatical shifts discussed. The hosts explain that while textbooks might dictate certain rules, native speakers often break these rules in everyday conversation. For instance, phrases like 'I’m loving this' would traditionally be incorrect, but are commonly used in spoken English.

💡Connection in Conversation

The video emphasizes the importance of using language that fosters connection in conversation. By adopting more natural, progressive forms of stative verbs like 'I’m feeling anxious,' speakers can create a sense of immediacy and relatability, helping them connect better with others. This conversational approach is a key theme in the video.

💡Role Play

Role play is used in the video as a teaching tool to demonstrate the use of stative verbs in real-life conversation. The speakers perform a role play in which they visit a 'dining in the dark' restaurant, using progressive forms like 'I’m tasting something strange' to illustrate the temporary nature of what they’re experiencing. This helps to contextualize the grammar rules in a fun, practical way.

Highlights

Discussion on anxiety and vacation preferences, highlighting the contrast between active and relaxed vacation styles.

Introduction to the concept of state verbs in English grammar, focusing on feelings and perceptions.

Explanation of how some state verbs can be used in both present tense and present progressive tense, challenging traditional grammar rules.

Examples given for state verbs that can be used in both tenses, such as 'be' and 'feel'.

Clarification on the use of 'feel' in present progressive tense to describe temporary states.

Discussion on the use of 'smell' and 'taste' as state verbs in both present tense and progressive tense.

Explanation of why some state verbs like 'seem' and 'appear' cannot be used in the progressive tense.

Pro tip on distinguishing between state verbs and action verbs with the same word, using 'appear' as an example.

Roleplay scenario in a dining in the dark restaurant to illustrate the use of state verbs in conversation.

Advice on not stressing over the use of state verbs in different tenses, emphasizing spoken English over written English.

Encouragement for learners to observe and try out the use of state verbs in conversation.

Acknowledgment that language evolves and textbooks may not always reflect current usage.

Suggestion to interview someone from Hollywood for an episode on classic Hollywood terms.

Final takeaway emphasizing the importance of not stressing over grammar and focusing on connection in language use.

Transcripts

hey Aubrey I have a question for you to start off  today all right let's do it so is there anything  

that you're feeling anxious about at this moment  yeah a little bit I'm going to Sedona this weekend  

and I am the type of vacation person that's like  go go go do all the hikes do all the fun things  

and I'm going with girlfriends that are like chill  by the pool friends oh no so I have to really pull  

myself back and I'm a little anxious that I it's  going to be tough yeah that's right so you're not  

the type to sit by the pool you want to go be  active do something right like a little of that  

would be okay but I can't do that all day for 3  days so we'll see how it goes hopefully I can talk  

them into some fun activities well good luck let  us know back on the show after your trip Sedona  

sounds incredible uh we want to hear about it for  sure so anxiousness right anxiety is something I  

asked you about a few and you the grammar was  interesting here CU you didn't say do you feel  

anxious about anything right now you said is there  anything you're feeling anxious about so listeners  

you may have this might have triggered you like  why this is a state of verb why is their present  

progressive textbooks told me I can't do that but  we do do it with some state of verbs yes we're  

coming back to our arch nemesis right the state of  verb and the confusion that we can have sometimes  

around state of verbs but on allers English we're  clearing it up for you guys showing new language  

Trends you know rules that we're just breaking  and it's okay and when it's not okay so this is  

part three of a part of a three-part Series right  Aubrey exactly you don't want to miss part one  

which was stative verbs for emotions like like and  love right I'm loving this right now that was 2220  

like we're liking your grammar questions answered  right and part two was where we talked about  

thoughts and opinions that was episode 2223 are  you thinking this is tricky English grammar right  

exactly so our listen guys go find those episodes  listen and then come back here make sure you are  

following this podcast for more amazing series  across the entire network all of allers English  

right yes exactly so today we're diving into the  third type of state of verb there are three which  

this one is feelings and perceptions so we'll  First share the state of verbs that can be both  

present tense or present progressive with examples  and then we're going to share those that cannot  

that really need to just be used in present tense  yeah and we're exposing the classic myth that  

of our listeners learned in school which is that  they'll tell you your teachers your textbooks your  

classrooms will tell you sta of verbs are never  used in the ing form but this is the proof that  

they are actually sometimes used exactly at least  in the states around the world I feel like this is  

trending like you said Lindsay this is getting  more common no one's going to bat an eye when  

we use them this way and in fact it feels more  native and natural and again as you listen today  

if you get frustrated you get confused come back  to connection right we're teaching this because  

this is an opportunity if you use these ones in  the more modern native way it's an opportunity  

to connect so that's always what we're going  for guys okay exactly so let's dive into the  

first one under our bucket of can be used in  both present simple and present progressive  

which is be be verbs right he is being quiet  right now and of course you could also say he  

is quiet which or he is acting quiet but we use  be in both yeah and it's different right when  

we say he's being quiet it's really about this  present moment exactly the same meaning would  

be he is acting quiet but we also use be both  in both verb tenses and sounds very natural to  

me right often chunks that I'll use you're being  weird I'll say this to my partner sometimes what's  

going on you're being weird is there something  wrong like what's happening totally you're being  

quiet you're being silly you're being fun all of  them very common okay and it's a state of verb  

but hey look at this we break the rules feel is  another one exactly I'm feeling anxious like you  

asked at the top of the episode anything you're  feeling anxious about or I feel sick could also  

say I'm feeling sick this we use both ways for  sure and like you said Lindsay as a reminder  

definitely get a deeper Dive In Those first two  episodes but it's all about if there's time right  

these are temporary things we're feeling in the  moment but maybe not always yeah interesting  

okay so I'm feel so being able to articulate your  feelings in the current moment super important  

you know basically I'm feeling sick in this case  I'm feeling sick versus I feel sick basically it  

means the same thing right it's all about the time  right is it something that seems very temporary  

it's like okay I'm feeling sick maybe like morning  sickness I would have been like I'm feeling sick  

CU I know it's going to pass in a few minutes  eat a piece of toast and I'll be fine but if  

like I have covid I'd probably be like I feel sick  but I feel like for this one I would say I could  

say the same thing if I had morning sickness in  this moment oh I feel sick it's morning sickness  

versus oh I'm really feeling sick Aubrey I think  I need to finish early right yeah so both work  

for sure because it's with sickness it's always a  temporary state right it's this more active like  

let's hope you're not it's not a state that you'll  be in forever right yes yes yes 100% And then the  

next one is smell okay so tell us about this one  Aubrey yeah so you might say I'm smelling hints  

of saffron if you're like smelling a dish and  this is very temporary I'm describing a smell  

that I smell right now in this moment and then we  also use smell as a state of verb in present tense  

like do you smell that oh it smells good in here  yes remember we're talking about perceptions and  

this you know the senses are a way of perceiving  the world taking it in and then the next sense is  

taste right right say I'm tasting all of these if  they're a bunch of desserts and you mean is I am  

going to taste all of these but you're saying okay  I'm tasting all of these yes I love it or you have  

to T to at least taste it you have to try it okay  that's I say to my kids all the time they're like  

e this looks gross you have to at least taste it  yeah I don't know what it is that kids get over  

that fear of these unknown flavors right when they  become now adult adults tend to be more willing to  

try new things not in all cases but in some cases  right yeah and this is interesting because it's  

tricky with some of these where it's like is this  state of is this a when we say like this tastes  

good that's a state of verb right this is it's  interesting these are tricky it's just good to  

know like you can use verbing it's acceptable n  natives do it you don't have to stress about it  

even if your textbook told you you can't and what  about just onetoone comparison this taste good  

this is tasting good yeah same I feel like it's  interesting you're kind of just talking about that  

actual moment something's in your mouth tasting  good right now but work absolutely yep and that's  

where we see the trendiness of this role being  broken right I I don't think in like the 50s they  

said that it exactly do you know what I mean it's  pulling people into that present moment it's just  

language evolves right modern language we're doing  it a lot just like people didn't say I'm loving  

this chocolate cake in the 50s we do now right  yes 100% then continuing with the senses hearing  

right are you hearing that or do you hear that  these mean the same thing right in this moment  

are you hearing this and we would also just be  like do you hear that and it's exactly the same  

with C are you seeing this or did H do you see  that yeah they mean the same basically the same  

yeah yeah okay then we have our bucket of verbs  that you know we can't break the rule we don't  

add in what we don't use these in the present  progressive so first is seem this seems strange  

right and I think the reason you can't say like  this is seeming strange is the word seam is one of  

those like classic state of verbs where it can't  be an action it can't be a momentary feeling right  

because that's how when we're adding verbi we're  sort of turning it into an action verb that has  

time 100% yeah I agree this one don't put it in  the ing it'd be weird it'd be weird um appears she  

appears to be a reasonable person right right same  thing right this is very much like seems she seems  

to be reasonable she appears to be reasonable but  here's what's tricky about appear you are going  

to hear the word appearing right because this is  a present continuous action verb with a totally  

different meaning we use it to say like pink is  currently appearing at Madison Gardens this does  

not mean seem right it means performing or you  might say she's always appearing when I least  

expect her again this is a totally different  verb an action verb that means to show up out  

of nowhere so this is a little tricky because  some verbs like appear are a state of verb with  

a totally different meaning than the action verb  of the same word English that is crazy oh my gosh  

this is this is B2 level here you know what I mean  B2 moving into C1 level for our listeners it's  

where we push through this confusion I mean just  the the difference in those two meanings is very  

subtle but it's also very drastic in conversation  it right so here's her Pro tip if you if you  

see appears in a sentence or you want to use it  can you replace it with right she appears to be  

reasonable she seems to be reasonable if so it's a  state of verb don't add ing you could not say she  

is appearing to be reasonable nope she appears  and if it doesn't if you can't replace it with  

seam then it could be verb right pink is appearing  at Madison Square Gardens we love your pro tips we  

love it when you come in with these these zingers  right these Pro tips and it just makes things  

easier and so that is the way yeah can you replace  it with seams then that is such a good point then  

it's that first meaning the state of verb seam  means the same as appear as a state of verb and  

unfortunately the same word appear is a verb with  a totally different meaning oh my gosh okay well  

our listeners love role plays and so let's bring  it back to a conversational roleplay so here  

Aubrey we are at a dining inthe dark restaurant  I think I've been to one of these before have you  

I never have I kind of want to I'm trying to  remember where it even was but it sounds very  

familiar sound like it was a while ago and you  were drinking a lot yeah probably I don't remember  

where I was what I ate or it was just very dark  until I was just confused and lost the whole time  

so also possible all right here we go go for I'll  start us out I can't tell what I'm tasting maybe  

salmon oh me neither it tastes like mayi Mahi  maybe oh I'm feeling a little nervous about this  

same I feel like I'm going to stab myself in the  eye with a fork this seemed like such a good idea  

in theory yeah weird right I love this role play  I was cracking myself up writing this role play  

yeah I mean can people do is there a business for  that is there a business model for that do people  

I think people want to know what they're eating  you know yeah I I know there is I know people  

do this and I think it's you sense everything you  taste everything wor potently in the dark I guess  

and it's an experience I would do it yeah maybe  I didn't go to one but I thought about going to  

one I don't know I feel like I would remember it  one of my favorite films about time they meet it's  

they're meet cute they meet they're like seated  at the same table these two girls these two boys  

and they like hit it off and it's so cute and  they don't know what each other looks like and  

they come out of the restaurant and see each  other for the first time it's so adorable yeah  

that makes me think we should do maybe we should  interview someone in Hollywood but we should do  

an episode about Hollywood Classic Hollywood terms  the meat cute uh treat the treatment of the script  

like these are all Insider terms you hear in La  that you really don't hear otherwise that much  

let's find someone from Hollywood to interview  I love that from Hollywood yeah yeah I love that  

I actually know a director I might reach out to  him love that that would be cool we'll be waiting  

for that episode Aubrey there you go okay let's  go through the role play so here we go you said  

I can't tell what I'm tasting so iing yeah this  makes almost would be strange to say I can't tell  

what I taste because it's so like what I'm tasting  right now I'm I'm making it an action I'm making  

it have time so I would actually really encourage  the use of verbing here it just sounds more right  

to me it's so subtle here because there would be  a place to use taste if I if I were serving you  

the meal hey you obviously don't know what's on  this plate let us know what you taste that's right  

before you receive the meal or you go to a tasting  taste yeah but as you exactly eating it you might  

be more likely to say I can't quite tell what I'm  tasting yes interesting it is subtle so quick tip  

to not stress about this right with a lot of  these you can use either verb ing or present  

tense don't let this stop you from making these  connections but we get so many questions from  

listeners about this because they hear natives  using both a textbook has taught them they can't  

so we wanted to break it down let you know why why  you're hearing both but don't let it stress you  

out most cases both are fine F like I said once  you really Master this you're really moving into  

you know near native fluency Advanced C1 level so  guys don't worry about it focus on connection so  

then we had an example of using tastes I said me  neither it tastes like mahi mahi maybe and again  

that works too yes and this is more if you think  of it it's a state of verb here because it tastes  

like mahi mahi it would always tastes like mahi  mahi there's no time yeah and it's also a chunk  

what does it taste like oh tast like chocolate ice  cream right tast like Mah Mah yeah good and then  

I'm feeling a little nervous articulating your  current feelings yeah and I for sure could say  

I feel a little nervous about this both work right  but we do do this I'm feeling nervous right now in  

this moment so it's more today's episode is more  about you have another option less about it would  

be wrong to use the non-g form right it's more  about letting you go guys know why you're hearing  

this why you're hearing natives cuz we get so many  questions get it that's confusing yeah yeah yeah  

and then I said same I feel like I'm going to stab  myself in the eye yes and then I said this seemed  

like such a good idea and I just realized that  I did it when I said you're hearing these you  

probably think it should be you hear these right  but state of verb hearing we use it both ways  

perfect example wow you didn't even tried to do  that example and it just came out I just noticed  

I was like oh hey there it is I love it so what's  the takeaway I mean again guys not to get stressed  

out we know you have questions this is more about  observing right what you hear out in the world  

and maybe trying this out a little bit yeah and I  think it's helpful for you to know like textbooks  

teachers might have taught you this is wrong  so you're confused why you hear natives doing  

it it's good to recognize that like textbooks  aren't always right about how natives actually  

speak in Daily conversations it's also possible  that some of the textbooks you may have studied  

in school were written in the' 60s or the 70s and  are not getting updated and language is changing  

that's the other piece of this some of these  we're seeing as more of a trend in the last  

five or 10 years right or they're teaching very  formal English and this is very conversational  

English a lot of these I probably wouldn't write  in a p like no it's the way we speak yeah and we  

said that in one of the previous episodes too  right this is not about written English guys  

today is about spoken English okay yes so be sure  to check out this whole series so you get all the  

details about the state of verbs and how you can  use them in English for deeper connections all  

right good stuff Aubrey I will talk to you soon  have a good day awesome thanks Lindsay bye bye

[Music]