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:
be*
seem
appear*
(existence)
look*
sound*
smell*
taste*
feel*
(senses)
like
want
prefer
love*
(desire)
have*
own
possess
(possession)
think*
believe
consider*
(opinion)
Note the usage in the following sentences:
Mr.
Tactful is seeming like a nice guy.
(Wrong)
Mr.
Tactful seems like a nice guy.
(Correct)
This
salad is tasting delicious.
(Wrong)
This
salad tastes delicious.
(Correct)
I am
liking banana cream pie.
(Wrong)
I like
banana cream pie.
(Correct)
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.
Those
flowers look beautiful.
(Non-action)
Flora
is looking out the window.
(Action)
I
think that's a great idea.
(Non-action)
I am
thinking about my upcoming speech.
(Action)
We
have a brand new car.
(Non-action)
We are
having a party this weekend.
(Action)
Craig
is a real estate agent.
(Non-action)
Billy
is being naughty today.
(Action)
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