Non Action Verbs
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adlesor_n1Non Action Verbs
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adlesor_n1Non-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)
loo* sound* smell* taste* !eel* (senses)
lie "ant pre!er love* (desire)
have* o"n possess (possession)
thin* believe consider* (opinion)
Note the usage in the !ollo"ing sentences:
#r. Tact!ul is seeming lie a nice guy. ($rong%)
#r. Tact!ul seems lie a nice guy. (&orrect)
This salad is tasting delicious. ($rong%)
This salad tastes delicious. (&orrect)
' am liing banana cream pie. ($rong%)
' lie banana cream pie. (&orrect)
Some verbs have both action and non-action meanings. They are indicated by an
asteris* in the table above. The situation determines "hether the action or non-action
!orm o! the verb is used.
Those !lo"ers look beauti!ul. (Non-action)
(lora is looking out the "indo". ()ction)
' think that*s a great idea. (Non-action)
' am thinking about my upcoming speech. ()ction)
$e have a brand ne" car. (Non-action)
$e are having a party this "eeend. ()ction)
&raig is a real estate agent. (Non-action)
+illy is being naughty today.
