STATE and ACTION VERBS:

 Most verbs refer to actions or processes, they describe activities. We can use them in the
simple and continuous form:

I often work on Saturdays but I’m not working today.

(permanent action) (temporary action)

I live in a small flat but I’m living with a host family for a few weeks.

 Some verbs refer to states, they can’t describe a process. We use these verbs only in the
simple form:

- verbs related to the senses: smell, feel, hear, look, see, sound, taste, etc.

- verbs related to activities of the mind (opinions / thoughts): agree, believe, forget, remember,
know, understand, think, promise, disagree, deny, etc.

- verbs related to feelings, emotions, preferences: like, love, hate, prefer, need, want, hope,
care, etc.

- other verbs related to possession, relationship, appearance, value: be, belong, have, appear
(=seem), etc.

I don’t understand your point of view. (Not: I’m not understanding…)

She knows the answer to the question. (Not: She isn’t knowing…)

 Some verbs can be state and action ones with a difference in meaning:

We have a second-hand car (=possess).

We are having breakfast (=drink / eat).

I think it’s a great idea (=believe, opinion).

I’m thinking about my exam tomorrow (=consider in my mind).

She looks great (=appearance)

She is looking at some old photographs (=examine)

He’s very friendly (=this is his character)

He’s being friendly (= he’s behaving in this way, he isn’t usually like this)