Lesson 9 being quiet / quiet
Choose the correct answers:
- Martha __________ (is usually, is usually being) quiet. She likes to sit in the room and read a book by herself.
- However, Martha __________ (is, is being) loud today. She usually does not act this way.
- Martha’s elder brothers __________ (are, are being) childish these days. They usually make decisions after careful consideration, but this time they are acting on impulse.
Explain:
The verb “being” has a special function in explaining a temporary behavior that is opposite to a person’s usual way of doing things. The pattern is
subject + a form of “Be” + being + adjective
This expression cannot be used to describe physical conditions.
In describing a person’s usual personality or character, an adjective (without “being”) is sufficient. For example, I am helpful, and they are careless.
- In Sentence #1, the word “usually” and the example followed indicate Martha’s usual personality – quiet.
- In Sentence #2, the transition “however” and the explanation “usually does not act this way” indicate that being loud is a temporary behavior.
- In Sentence #3, the second part of the sentence indicates that being childish is not Martha’s elder brothers’ usual behavior.
Review:
- I am not feeling well today. I __________ (am, am being) sick. (hint: This is a physical condition.)
- I __________ (am usually, am usually being) very helpful to my family, but now I need to rest and recover from my illness first.
- Thankfully, my sister __________ (is, is being) extremely caring today. She usually minds just her own business.
Answers:
is usually quite; is being; are being
am; am usually; is being
