Verbs which do not normally have progressive aspect, because they describe a state rather an action.
Verb | Example (simple aspect) | Other uses of the verb (continuous aspect) |
1. hear | I hear good music. | You will be hearing from him. (you will get news from him). You are just hearing things! |
2. sound | The music sounds good. | – |
3. see | I see a bird! | I’m seeing the doctor. (I have an appointment) You are just seeing things! |
4. smell | The flower smells good. (involuntary action). | I’m smelling the flower. (voluntary action) |
5. taste | The soup tastes good. (involuntary action). | I’m tasting the soup. (voluntary action). |
6. feel | This material feels soft. (involuntary action). | I’m feeling the material. (voluntary action). How are you feeling? |
7. look | You look well. | You are looking better today. (temporary) Tom is looking at Helen. |
8. appear | He appears to be asleep. (seems to be) | The actor is appearing on the stage. |
Verb | Example (simple aspect) | Other uses of the verb (continuous aspect) |
1. believe | I believe you are right. | – |
2. consider | I consider you are right. (I believe) | I’m considering buying a new car. (I’m thinking of…) |
3. think | I think you are right. (I believe) | I’m thinking of /about buying a new car. |
4. expect | I expect she’ll come later. (I believe) | I’m expecting a letter from her. (I am waiting to receive) |
5. need | I need your help. | – |
6. imagine | Can you imagine this? | – |
7. know | I know you are right. | – |
8. understand etc. | I do not understand what you are saying. | – |
Verb | Example (simple aspect) | Other uses of the verb (continuous aspect) |
1. forget | Don’t forget too lock the door! | – |
2. notice | No one notices her arrival. | – |
3. realize | I don’t realize her problem. | – |
4. recognize | I recognize your voice! | – |
Verb | Example (simple aspect) | Other uses of the verb (continuous aspect) |
1. like | I like strawberries! | – |
2. dislike | I dislike going to the dentist. | – |
3. love | I love you! | – |
4. hate | He hates being alone. | – |
5. loathe | I loathe fish. | – |
6. prefer | What do you prefer? | – |
7. want | What do you want? | – |
8. wish | I wish you to be happy! | – |
9. refuse | He refuses my help. | – |
10. regret | Do you regret your mistake? | – |
11. mind | I don’t mind his smoking. (I have no objection) | Who is minding the baby? (is taking care of …) |
Verb | Example (simple aspect) | Other uses of the verb (continuous aspect) |
1. be | He is a pupil. | You are being rude today.(temporary behaviour) |
2. have | I have a bicycle. | I’m having lunch. I’m having a bath. |
3. belong to | This book belongs to me. | – |
5. cost | How much does this book cost? | Eggs are costing more these days. |
6. hold | This bottle holds three litres. (contains) | I’m holding the bottle in my hand. (I’m keeping it) |
7. resemble | Daniel resembles his mother. | Ann is resembling her mother more and more. |
8. matter | It doesn’t matter! | – |
9. own | I own this piece of art! | – |