Hi, folks!

Today I would like to talk about the Non-action verbs. They are also called stative verbs. They usually describe states or situations but not actions. Non-action verbs are not usually used in the present progressive (also called present continuous) even when they describe a situation that exists at the moment of speaking.

A: She looks anxious! What seems to be the problem?

B: She wants to go now. She has an appointment at the dentist.

Some Non-action verbs express emotions (admire, adore, appreciate, care, detest, dislike, doubt, envy, fear, hate, hope, like, regret, respect, trust).

A: Who do you admire the most in your family? B: My mother.

Some Non-action verbs describe perception and the senses (feel, hear, notice, observe, perceive, see, smell, taste.

A: That cake smells good. Who baked it? B: Adriana did. Let’s try some.

Some Non-action verbs describe mental states (agree, assume, believe, consider, disagree, disbelieve, estimate, expect, feel (believe), find, guess, hesitate, hope, imagine, know, mean, presume, realize, recognize, remember, see (understand), suppose, suspect, think (believe) understand, wonder).

A: What did you use to watch on TV when you were a child?

B: I remember watching Sesame Street. That was great!

Some Non-action verbs show possession (have, own, possess, belong).

A: You look terrible! What’s wrong? B: I have a cold.

Some Non-action verbs describe appearance (appear, be, feel, look, represent, resemble, seem, signify, smell, sound, taste).

A: You look beautiful! Where are you going to? B: We have a party tonight!

That’s all, folks! Have fun!

Reference: Fuchs, Marjorie. Focus on Grammar: An Intermediate Course for Reference and Practice.