This document discusses non-action verbs, which cannot be used in the progressive tense and instead indicate a state of being, senses, desires, possessions, or opinions. It provides examples of common non-action verbs like be, seem, appear, look, sound, smell, taste, feel, like, want, prefer, love, have, own, possess, think, believe, and consider. Some verbs can be either action or non-action depending on the context. The document demonstrates correct and incorrect usage of non-action verbs in sentences.

1. Non-Action Verbs<br />Some verbs cannot be used in the progressive tenses. They are called non-action verbs.<br />Non-action verbs indicate state, sense, desire, possession, or opinion. The most common non-action verbs are:<br />be*seemappear* (existence)look*sound*smell*taste*feel*(senses)likewantpreferlove* (desire)have*ownpossess (possession)think*believeconsider* (opinion)<br />Note the usage in the following sentences:<br />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)<br />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.<br />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)<br />