being??

[valtango]

Dear teachers,
Please can you give me an explanation of the use of the word "being" ? I'm finding it very difficult to explain to my "mature belgian students" They can't see a difference between
you are very well behaved
you are being very well behaved
Also why it can't always be used.
Confused by my own language!!
Valerie.

 

[Anonymous]

you are very well behaved -This means the person is well behaved generally speaking all the time. In this case, the simple present is used to state a general truth.


you are being very well behaved - This is in progress. It is happening at present as the speaker talks and the listener hears.

To me, the statement also implies that there is reason to believe that this person is known for bad behavior.