2. Explode! Scream! Sneeze! Type! Kick! What are
these words doing?
◦ They are expressing action, something that a person,
animal, force of nature, or thing can do. As a result,
these words are called action verbs.
◦ Example:
◦ In the library and at church, Michele giggles inappropriately.
◦ Giggling is something that Michele can do.
*They can be used in the progressive tenses!!!
4. 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.
5. The most common non-action verbs:
be*
seem
Appear* (existence)
Look* Taste*
Sound* Feel*
Smell* (senses)
6. Like Prefer
Want Love* (desire)
Have* Own
Possess (possession)
Think* Believe
Consider* (opinion)
*Verbs with an * have both action and non action meanings.
7. Note the usage in the following sentences:
◦ Mr. Smith is seeming like a nice guy (Wrong!)
◦ Mr. Smith 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)
8. 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 of 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)
(From eslgold.com)
