Non-progressive or Non-action Verbs

ENGL 102

2013

Chapter 1

September,2013

Non-action Verbs

Although these verbs are happening at the present, in this very moment, they use simple present tense. These verbs talk about or describe:

1. mental states 2. Emotional states 3. Possession 4. Sense perceptions 5. Other existing states.

1. Mental States

know suppose imagine

realize feel doubt

need understand want

remember forget prefer

believe recognize think*

1. Mental States

Examples:

He now knows as much about the subject as you do.

We understand what he is talking about.

I think it is time for us to leave.

I remember what he said.

2. Emotional States

love dislike mind

like appreciate fear

envy care hate

2. Emotional States

Examples:

He loves his children.

She hates flattery.

I like the book I am reading now.

I envy you having such a close family.

3. Possession

have* possess

own belong

3. Possession

Examples:

He has more money than he needs.

He possesses well over a thousand books.

His father owns several acres of land.

This book belongs to Mr. Peter.

4. Sense Perceptions

hear taste * smell * see*

feel*

4. Sense Perceptions

Examples:

I see that it is raining.

I hear the rain falling.

This blanket feels very damp.

This soup tastes delicious.

These flowers smell good.

5. Other Existing States

seem look sound exist owe be contain cost include consist appear weigh

5. Other Existing States

Examples: This seems the book I should read.

The course consists of twenty lessons.

The tour includes a visit to the Science Museum.

She weighs 130 pounds.

Confusing Verbs

I think you are nice. (opinion)

I am thinking about that problem. (action)

She feels sick. (health)

She is feeling the cat’s fur. (action)

Confusing Verbs

I have a new car. (possession)

They are having a good time.

We are having lunch. (eating)

She is having a baby.

I am having trouble with this.

I am having a party.

Confusing Verbs

You look beautiful. (perception)

She looks cold. (perception)

I am looking for my keys. (action)

I am looking out the window.(action)

This soup tastes wonderful. (perception)

The cook is tasting the soup. (action)

The chef is tasting the dish. (action)

Confusing Verbs

You appear to be ill. (perception)

He is appearing on stage in Vegas. (action)

This soup smells great!(perception)

Look at John. He is smelling the roses. (action)

Confusing Verbs

He weighs too much. (state–condition) He is weighing the vegetables. (action) I see the car. (perception) I am seeing a doctor. (consulting

/visiting) I am seeing Bob. (dating)

Confusing Verbs

He is a nice person. (state – condition)

He is being nice. (action = behaving ; a temporary characteristic)

He is being foolish, nice, kind, lazy, careful, patient, silly, rude, polite, impolite. (some of the most common – expressions)