STATE VERBS

Verbs which do not normally have progressive aspect, because they describe a state rather an action.

VerbExample
(simple aspect)		Other uses of the verb
(continuous aspect)

1. hear
I hear good music.
You will be hearing from him.
(you will get news from him).

You are just hearing things!

2. sound
The music sounds good.
–

3. see
I see a bird!
I’m seeing the doctor.
(I have an appointment)

You are just seeing things!

4. smell
The flower smells good. (involuntary action).

I’m smelling the flower.
(voluntary action)

5. taste
The soup tastes good.
(involuntary action).
I’m tasting the soup.
(voluntary action).

6. feel
This material feels soft.
(involuntary action).

I’m feeling the material.
(voluntary action).
How are you feeling?

7. look
You look well.		You are looking better today.
(temporary)

Tom is looking at Helen.

8. appear
He appears to be asleep.
(seems to be)

The actor is appearing on the stage.

VerbExample
(simple aspect)		Other uses of the verb
(continuous aspect)

1. believe

I believe you are right.
–

2. consider
I consider you are right.
(I believe)

I’m considering buying a new car.
(I’m thinking of…)

3. think
I think you are right.
(I believe)

I’m thinking of /about buying a new car.

4.  expect
I expect she’ll come later.
(I believe)

I’m expecting a letter from her.
(I am waiting to receive)

5. need
I need your help.

–

6. imagine

Can you imagine this?
–

7. know
I know you are right.

–

8. understand etc.
I do not understand what you are saying.

–

VerbExample
(simple aspect)		Other uses of the verb
(continuous aspect)

1. forget

Don’t forget too lock the door!
–

2. notice

No one notices her arrival.
–

3. realize

I don’t realize her problem.
–

4. recognize

I recognize your voice!
–

VerbExample
(simple aspect)		Other uses of the verb
(continuous aspect)

1. like
I like strawberries!
–

2. dislike
I dislike going to the dentist.
–

3. love
I love you!
–

4. hate
He hates being alone.
–

5. loathe
 I loathe fish.
–

6. prefer
What do you prefer?
–

7. want
What do you want?
–

8. wish
I wish you to be happy!
–

9. refuse
He refuses my help.
–

10. regret
Do you regret your mistake?
–

11. mind
I don’t mind his smoking.
(I have no objection)

Who is minding the baby?
(is taking care of …)

VerbExample
(simple aspect)		Other uses of the verb
(continuous aspect)

1. be

He is a pupil.
You are being rude today.(temporary behaviour)

2. have

I have a bicycle.
I’m having lunch. I’m having a bath.

3. belong to

This book belongs to me.		–

5. cost

How much does this book cost?
Eggs are costing more these days.

6. hold
This bottle holds three litres. (contains)

I’m holding the bottle in my hand. (I’m keeping it)

7. resemble

Daniel resembles his mother.
Ann is resembling her mother more and more.

8. matter
It doesn’t matter!
–

9. own
I own this piece of art!
–

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