Present Simple, Present Continuous, and State Verbs

• Use the present simple for routines and permanent truths. Use the present continuous for actions happening right now on the ward. State verbs describe thoughts, feelings, or possession and do not usually take the continuous form.
• Tense / Verb Type
• Function
• Example Sentence
• Present Simple
• Habits and general facts
• Dr. Mark works at Boston Medical Center.
• Present Continuous
• Actions happening now
• Nurse Emily is checking the monitor.
• State Verb
• Thoughts, possession, senses
• Dr. Sarah knows the patient needs help.
• Remember
• Do not use state verbs like know, belong, seem, or need in the continuous form.
• Use the present simple with adverbs of frequency like usually or always.
• Use the present continuous for temporary situations during a shift.
• Examples
• Dr. Miller needs an inhaler for the patient.
• The test results seem normal today.
• She is examining a chronic condition right now.
• Common mistakes
• I am needing a new chart.
• I need a new chart.
• He knowing the diagnosis.
• He knows the diagnosis.

Complete the sentences

• Dr. Davis (need) ____ to check the chart now.
• Nurse Jennifer (examine) ____ a patient at Seattle General Hospital.
• The patient (know) ____ how to use the device.
• The results (seem) ____ stable today in Chicago.
• Dr. Wilson (manage) ____ three cases this morning.
• This stethoscope (belong) ____ to the clinic in New York.

Sources: photo by Diana ✨ on Pexels