Non-continuous verbs
Some English verbs, which we call state, non-continuous or stative verbs, are not used in continuous tenses (like the present continuous, the future continuous, etc.).
These verbs often describe states that last for some time. Here is a list of some common ones:
| verbs of perception | verbs that express feelings/ emotions | verbs of the senses | other verbs |
|
understand
believe / think*
remember
know
forget
want
need
agree
promise
mean
|
prefer
like
love
hate
|
taste*
smell*
sound*
hear*
look*
see*
feel*
|
have*
belongcontain
fit*
keep
|
I want to talk to you now. – Not: I am wanting to talk to you now.
Dynamic verbs
A verb which isn't stative is called a dynamic verb, and is usually an action. This verb can be used in continuous tenses.
I am doing my homework now. / I do my homework every day.
Svarīgi!
* Some of these verbs can be used in continuous tenses. But in this case they have different meanings.
|
Present Simple
|
Present Continuous
|
|
I think she's hungry.
(= believe)
|
I am thinking of drinking a cup of tea.
(am considering)
|
|
I feel you're wrong.
(= think)
The water feels cold.
(a link verb)
|
I am feeling happy.
(= I feel happy.)
|
|
I can see a lake from my room.
(= it's visible)
I see your problem.
(= I understand)
|
I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow.
(= am meeting by appointment)
He is seeing the town.
(= is visiting as a tourist)
|
|
This tea tastes sweet.
(a link verb/ = it is/ has the flavour of)
|
Ann is tasting the soup to see if it has enough salt.
(= is trying)
|
|
This flower smells nice.
(a link verb/ = has the aroma)
|
The dog is smelling its food.
(= is sniffing)
|
|
That cake looks good.
(a link verb)
|
He is looking at the picture.
(=watch)
|
|
This coat fits me perfectly.
(= is the right size)
|
We are fitting new windows in our house.
(= are installing)
|
|
She is a nice girl.
(= that's her nature)
|
She is being rude today.
(= is behaving, only today)
|
|
He has (got) a cat.
(= owns/ possession)
|
He is having dinner.
(= eating/ action)
|
Svarīgi!
* Some verbs can be used in simple or continuous tenses with no difference in meaning.
look (when we refer to somebody's appearance)
Teresa looks wonderful today. = Teresa is looking wonderful today.
feel (when we experience a particular emotion, physical or mental condition)
I feel happy. = I am feeling happy.
