Теория

be, look, seem, etc.

A few verbs, called linking verbs, can be followed by an adjective on its own. These verbs are: be, feel, look, seem, sound, taste and smell.

You sound depressed. What’s up?

Mmm. That smells delicious. What is it?

These verbs are also followed by like + noun, which means the same as, or similar to.

She looks like a model!

It tastes a bit like chicken.

These verbs can also be followed by as if or like + clause. Using like here is very common, but some people say it is wrong. In exams and writing it may be better to use as if.

You look like you’re in a very good mood. How come?

I feel guilty. I feel as if it’s my fault.

All the examples are in the simple tense. These verbs are sometimes also used in continuous tenses. There is no difference in meaning.

You’re looking well! = You look well.

I’m feeling a bit ill. = I feel a bit ill.

-ed / -ing adjectives

Here are some more adjectives with two forms.

He wasn’t very amused. / It’s an amusing story.

I was frightened. / It was a frightening story.

I’m quite annoyed about it. / It’s annoying.

I’m confused. / It’s confusing.

I feel quite relaxed. / I had a relaxing holiday.

He was very disappointed. / It was disappointing.

I was shocked by the news. / It’s shocking.

I was a bit embarrassed. / My parents can be embarrassing.

I was exhausted. / I’ve had an exhausting week.

I’m excited about it. / It should be an exciting game.

I felt a bit frustrated. / It’s frustrating learning to windsurf.

He’s feeling depressed. / The news is depressing!

Here are some pairs of adjectives that do not use both -ed /-ing.

upset / upsetting scared / scary calm / calming stressed / stressful

The present continuous

Use the present continuous to talk about temporary, unfinished actions.

This weather’s depressing! It’s raining again.

Can I call you back later? We’re having dinner.

I feel sorry for him. He’s losing his hair. He’s only 21!

To emphasise that something is temporary, use expressions such as at the moment, currently, this week and this month.

I’m reading a great book at the moment. I’ll lend you it when I’ve finished it.

Use the present continuous to talk about things in the future that are already organised or arranged with other people.

I’m going out for dinner with a client on Friday.

They’re moving to Boston next month.

Present simple and present continuous

Use the present simple to talk about habits or more permanent things.

I usually go swimming every day.

I live in Budapest.

We explain how often using adverbs such as usually, often, sometimes, hardly ever, never.

I usually play football on Wednesdays.

Some verbs are normally used in simple tenses even when the situation is temporary.

You sound exhausted. Were you out late last night?

I still owe my brother €100. He’s a bit fed up about it.

I love this soup! It tastes fantastic. How did you make it?

A: They’re doing building work outside our office. The noise is driving me mad. I hate it!

B: I know what you mean! They’re doing the same in front of my house. It’s really annoying.

Other verbs like this are:

Some other verbs are like this depending on the meaning.

I see you’re interested in politics. You’re reading the biography of Mao. (see = notice)

He’s seeing someone at the moment, so he’s happy. (see = have a girl / boyfriend)

I have a VW at the moment, but I’m thinking of buying a BMW. (have = own / possess)

They’re having a meeting about it now. (have = do)

It’s really hot. Open a window. (verb + adjective)

Sorry, I’m just being silly. (temporary / unusual behaviour)

Other verbs like this are: feel, think, taste