present tense not for habitual actions


Many grammar books suggested that "present tense" would be used to describe "habitual action".  However, the following sentence uses "present tense" but it is not talking about habitual actions. Why? 


"She fully intends to continue her sporting career once she has recovered from her injuries."

asked Sep 19 '11 at 05:06 CF LOK New member

2 answers


Present tense is used for things happening at the moment. 


In the example you give, her intention is current (in the present) so the use of present tense "she intends" is correct.

link comment answered Sep 19 '11 at 10:48 Siân Harris Expert

The fact is that certain verbs, which we call 'stative', describe states of mind and are not considered to be actions. Eg: believe, know, understand, and many others. It would be as unnatural in this case to say "She is intending to continue...." as it would be to say  " She is believing" or "I am knowing."


Pace  Sian, the Present Simple is not used for current actions, but for habitual ones, or as a future in which the action is definitely fixed, as in "My plane leaves at 6 pm."

link comment answered Sep 19 '11 at 11:57 Mark Heyne Contributor

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