STATE and ACTION Verbs

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

A state is when something stays the same

ACTION VERBS (SB, p.105)

An action is when something happens

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

They are NOT used in the present continuous when they describe states.

I have a book ( not I’m having a book)

This soup tastes of garlic ( not this soup is tasting of garlic…)

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

1. Verbs related to senses

• hear• see• smell• taste• sound• seem• appear

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

2. Verbs related to sentiments and desires

• like• love• hate• need• want • wish

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

3. Verbs which express possession

• have got• own• belong to• possess

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

4. Verbs which indicate price and measurement

• cost• measure• weigh

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

5. Verbs which express knowledge, opinions and beliefs

• believe • doubt• forget• guess• hope• imagine• know• agree/disagree

• prefer• mean• realize• recognize• remember• suppose• think • understand

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

Some of them may be used in the continuous when they express an action (not a state)

HAVE

He has a flat in London He’s having a shower

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

THINK

He thinks Yamamba girls are skin deep What is he thinking about? (have an opinion) (mental activity)

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

SEE

I see what you mean I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow

STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)

WEIGH

He weighs 70 kilos He’s weighing the bag