1.

Use the Continuous Aspect When Referring to a Progressive or

Temporary Action
“Aspect” means that when we use verbs, we can focus on either the action itself (the
action is seen as continuous, progressive, temporary, happening at the moment of
speaking) or on the result of the action (the action is simple, general, habitual).
Each verbal tense has two aspects: continuous and simple. This means that
whenever the action happens (past, present or future), we can focus on either the
action itself (continuous aspect) or the result of the action (simple aspect).
The continuous aspect is formed with the auxiliary verb “to be” used in the intended
tense, plus the “-ing” form of the verb.
Example:
He is climbing that mountain right now.
She has been writing for the past 40 minutes.
Have a look at the following table to understand how each aspect works for each of
the tenses:
Tense Continuous Aspect Simple Aspect

- Action is happening - Action is general, habitual

progressively
- Action may be temporary

Present Anna is working as a Jane works as a secretary.

secretary while Diane is on (permanent action, this is
maternity leave. her job)
(temporary job)

Present She has been working on She has finished her

Perfect this project for five days.  breakfast. 
(progressive action) (the focus is on the result)

Future John will be reading tonight.  I will help you with those

(continuous action) bags!
(spontaneous, simple
action)

Future When he calls, she will have By tomorrow morning,

Pefect been reading the article for she will have
two hours. finished writing the essay.
(continuous action, focus on (simple action, the focus is
th process) on the result)

Past He was waiting for me when I He waited for two hours,

arrived. after which he left. 
(continuous action, focus on
 Tense Continuous Aspect Simple Aspect

the process) (the focus is on the result)

Past He had been talking on the He had finished his dinner

Perfect phone for two hours when she when she arrived. 
arrived. (the focus is on the result)
(continuous action, focus on
the process)

What does this mean for you in the TOEFL exam? Whenever you use a verb in
speaking or in writing, you must decide what kind of action you want to express. For
example, in the first part of the speaking exam, you will have to speak about a
familiar topic like your favorite hobby. In this case, you’ll probably use the simple
aspect because you’ll be talking about a habitual action that you like doing in
general.