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English Language & Usage

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    Feel free to flesh out the examples. I preferred a single verb for consistency. Commented Apr 20, 2011 at 20:34
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    Habituality is by no means the only use of the present indicative in English. For example, if I say "I am hungry" it means I am hungry right now, not as a habit. There are also other mistakes, but I'm posting too much. Commented Apr 21, 2011 at 12:26
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    The present indicative can also be used to describe things as they happen, e.g. a sports commentator: "Montana goes back to pass, and he's sacked at the 42 yard line." Commented Apr 21, 2011 at 12:39
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    I sit in my chair. I see a computer in front on me. On its screen, a message by @Jon Purdy claims I am being unfair. I disagree. Commented Apr 21, 2011 at 16:25
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    @LaC: Oh no, a slew of other verbs are totally valid examples, and my post is definitely simplified to the point of being incomplete. It's only I am hungry that I had a problem with, since you're using to be to introduce a predicate. Also, there's some colloquial (and facetious) use of do be to denote habitual states: I do be hungry; the Pope does be Catholic. But anyway, the point of making a post CW is that it can be continually improved. If I haven't done a good job, help me. Commented Apr 21, 2011 at 18:14