STATE AND ACTION

VERBS
 STATE VERBS

A state is when something stays the same

 ACTION VERBS

An action is when something happens

 STATE VERBS

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
1. Verbs related to senses

• hear
• see
• smell
• taste
• sound
• seem
• appear
 STATE VERBS
2. Verbs related to sentiments and desires

• like
• love
• hate
• need
• want
• wish
 STATE VERBS
3. Verbs which express possession

• have
• own
• belong to
• possess
 STATE VERBS

4. Verbs which indicate price and measurement

• cost
• measure
• weigh
 STATE VERBS

5. Verbs which express knowledge, opinions

and beliefs

• believe • prefer
• doubt • mean
• forget • realize
• guess • recognize
• hope • remember
• imagine • suppose
• know • think
• agree/disagree • understand
 STATE VERBS

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

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

SEE
I see what you mean I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow
 STATE VERBS

WEIGH
He weighs 70 kilos He’s weighing the bag