6.4.2. The irritation of the progressive form The progressive form pays attention to the act. For example, "My husband complains about the food." means his habitualness, but if the progressive form is used in this, it means the temporary act, that is, the speaker pays attention to his complaint. Moreover, if the high frequent adverbs like "always" and "constantly" are used this progressive form, it also means habitual, because they give the continuous meaning. However, they express not only this but also the speaker's irritation, because this form pays attention to the act and they emphasize it. Thus, "My husband is always complaining about the food." means his wife emphasizes his complaint, that is to say, her criticism. The next examples are the same. (39) a. He is always saying bad things about others. b. That kid's always asking silly questions.

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