Non-progressive or Nonaction 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 realize feel need understand remember forget believe recognize
imagine doubt want prefer 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 like envy
dislike appreciate care
mind fear 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* own
possess 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 smell * feel*
taste * see*
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 exist contain consist
look owe cost appear
sound be include 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)