Grammar & Usage
Non-Action Verbs
& Exceptions
Categories
English verbs can be divided
into two types: action (dynamic) Categories Examples
and non‑action (stative).
state be, seem, appear, exist
Action verbs involve movement,
possession have, own, possess
while non‑action verbs do not.
feelings & needs feel, like, love, hate, want, need, prefer, wish
To make non-action verbs
easier to remember, think
thought think, believe, know, imagine, understand
of these five categories:
the senses see, hear, taste, smell
Progressive Tenses
There are six progressive tenses in English, and they all follow the
be + -ing verb pattern. The present progressive is the most common.
In general, the progressive tenses are not used with non-action verbs,
only with action ones (but see the exceptions on the following page).
� She is upset. � I think that she is a good cook.
� She is being upset. � I am thinking that she is a good cook.
� We have two cats. � The man heard a noise.
� We are having two cats. � The man was hearing a noise.
� My brother likes animals.
� My brother is liking animals.
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Non-Action Verbs & Exceptions
Grammar & Usage
Exceptions
A. Non-Action Verbs with Action Meanings
Many non-action verbs have another meaning. If this second
meaning is an action meaning, a progressive tense can be used.
• My child is being a brat at the moment. (misbehaving)
• We are having dinner. (eating)
• She is having a baby. (giving birth, delivering)
• I am thinking of buying a new car. (planning, deciding)
• They are seeing a movie. (watching)
Some non-action verbs don’t have a change in meaning, but a
progressive tense can be used to emphasize a longer, continuing action.
� My son feels sick. � She has wanted a new dress for ages. � I love Netflix.
� My son is feeling sick. � She has been wanting a new dress for ages. � I’m loving Netflix.
B. Action Verbs with Non-Action Meanings
Some verbs that are commonly action verbs can also change meaning.
With the non-action meaning, a progressive tense should not be used.
� You are looking out the window. (action) � The children appeared at the window. (action)
� You look nervous. (non-action) � They appear calm. (non-action)
� You are looking nervous. (non-action) � They are appearing calm. (non-action)
Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( V E R S I O N 1.1) 2
