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Non-Continuous Verbs

This document discusses non-continuous verbs in English and provides examples. It explains that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in the continuous form and lists common non-continuous verbs such as "be", "want", "need", and emotion verbs. It also notes that some verbs like "appear", "have", "hear", "look", "smell", "taste", "think", and "weigh" can be used in both continuous and non-continuous forms but with different meanings.

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marta
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181 views

Non-Continuous Verbs

This document discusses non-continuous verbs in English and provides examples. It explains that non-continuous verbs cannot be used in the continuous form and lists common non-continuous verbs such as "be", "want", "need", and emotion verbs. It also notes that some verbs like "appear", "have", "hear", "look", "smell", "taste", "think", and "weigh" can be used in both continuous and non-continuous forms but with different meanings.

Uploaded by

marta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Non-continuous Verbs Jane is looking at the pictures.

Normal Verb
It is important to understand that not all verbs can be used in She is looking with her eyes.
the continuous form. We will refer to these verbs as ‘Non-
continuous Verbs. Another thing which is particular about to miss:
verbs and the continuous forms is that some verbs that can be
used in both the simple and perfect forms and also in the John misses Sarah. Non-Continuous Verb
continuous forms have two different meanings. He is sad because she is not there.
Verbs that are physical actions which you can see someone
doing can be used in all forms and with all tenses; run, walk, Alison is missing her favourite TV program. Normal Verb
eat, read, fly, say, touch etc. can be used in all tenses. She is not there to see her favourite program.
Non-continuous Verbs
Non-continuous verbs; verbs that cannot be used in to see:
continuous forms are usually verbs that you cannot see
somebody doing. These verbs are rarely used in continuous I see her. Non-Continuous Verb
forms. They are: I see her with my eyes.
Abstract verbs  Be, want, cost, need, care, contain, owe,
exist etc. I am seeing the doctor. Normal Verb
Possession verbs Own, belong, possess etc. I am visiting or consulting with a doctor.
Emotion Verbs Like, love, hate, dislike, fear, envy etc.;
She needs help.  Not She is needing help. I am seeing her. Normal Verb
He wants a break. Not He is wanting a break. I am having a relationship with her.

Verbs with different meanings He is seeing ghosts at night. Normal Verb


He sees something others cannot see. For example a vision of
There is a small group of verbs that have different meanings.
the future, etc.
Some meanings behave like non-continuous verbs while
other meanings behave like normal verbs.
to smell:

Here is a list of verbs that have different meanings when used


The coffee smells good. Non-Continuous Verb
in the continuous forms/tenses; The coffee has a good smell.

to appear: I am smelling the flowers. Normal Verb


I am sniffing the flowers to see what their smell is like.
Sarah appears confused. Non-Continuous Verb
Sarah seems confused. to taste:

My favourite singer is appearing at the jazz club tonight. The coffee tastes good. Non-Continuous Verb
Normal Verb The coffee has a good taste.
My favourite singer is giving a performance at the jazz club
tonight.
I am tasting the wine. Normal Verb
I am trying the wine to see what it tastes like.
to have:
to think:
I have a pound now. Non-Continuous Verb
I possess a pound.
He thinks the test is easy. Non-Continuous Verb
He considers the test to be easy.
I am having fun now. Normal Verb
I am experiencing fun now.
She is thinking about the question. Normal Verb
She is pondering the question, going over it in her mind.
to hear:
to weigh:
She hears the music. Non-Continuous Verb
She hears the music with her ears.
The case weighs a lot. Non-Continuous Verb
The case is heavy.
She is hearing voices. Normal Verb
She hears something others cannot hear. She is hearing
voices in her mind. She is weighing herself. Normal Verb
She is determining her weight.

to look:

Tess looks tired. Non-Continuous Verb


She seems tired.

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