Non-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:
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be*
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seem
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appear*
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(existence)
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look*
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sound*
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smell*
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taste*
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feel*
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(senses)
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like
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want
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prefer
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love*
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(desire)
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have*
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own
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possess
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(possession)
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think*
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believe
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consider*
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(opinion)
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Note the usage in the following sentences:
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Mr. Tactful is seeming like a nice guy.
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(Wrong!)
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Mr. Tactful seems like a nice guy.
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(Correct)
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This salad is tasting delicious.
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(Wrong!)
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This salad tastes delicious.
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(Correct)
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I am liking banana cream pie.
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(Wrong!)
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I like banana cream pie.
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(Correct)
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Some verbs have both action and non-action meanings. They are indicated by an asterisk* in the table above. The situation determines whether the action or non-action form of the verb is used.
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Those flowers look beautiful.
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(Non-action)
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Flora is looking out the window.
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(Action)
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I think that’s a great idea.
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(Non-action)
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I am thinking about my upcoming speech.
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(Action)
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We have a brand new car.
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(Non-action)
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We are having a party this weekend.
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(Action)
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Craig is a real estate agent.
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(Non-action)
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Billy is being naughty today.
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(Action)
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