Non-Action Verbs
Some verbs cannot be used in the progressive tenses. They are called non-action verbs.
Non-action verbs indicate state, sense, desire, possession, or opinion. The most common
non-action verbs are:
be* |
seem |
appear* |
|
|
(existence) |
look* |
sound* |
smell* |
taste* |
feel* |
(senses) |
like |
want |
prefer |
love* |
|
(desire) |
have* |
own |
possess |
|
|
(possession) |
think* |
believe |
consider* |
|
|
(opinion) |
Note the usage in the following sentences:
Mr. Tactful is seeming like a nice guy. |
(Wrong!) |
Mr. Tactful seems like a nice guy. |
(Correct) |
This salad is tasting delicious. |
(Wrong!) |
This salad tastes delicious. |
(Correct) |
I am liking banana cream pie. |
(Wrong!) |
I like banana cream pie. |
(Correct) |
Some verbs have both action and non-action meanings. They are indicated by an
asterisk* in the table above. The situation determines whether the action or non-action
form of the verb is used.
Those flowers look beautiful. |
(Non-action) |
Flora is looking out the window. |
(Action) |
I think that’s a great idea. |
(Non-action) |
I am thinking about my upcoming speech. |
(Action) |
We have a brand new car. |
(Non-action) |
We are having a party this weekend. |
(Action) |
Craig is a real estate agent. |
(Non-action) |
Billy is being naughty today. |
(Action) |