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.