1. STATE and ACTION
Verbs

2. STATE VERBS
A state is when something stays the same

3. ACTION VERBS
An action is when something happens

4. STATE VERBS
They are NOT used in the present
continuous when they describe states.
I have a book (∗ not I’m having a book)
This soup tastes of garlic (∗ not this soup is tasting of garlic…)

5. STATE VERBS (SB, p.105)
1. Verbs related to senses
• hear
• see
• smell
• taste
• sound
• seem
• appear

6. STATE VERBS
2. Verbs related to feelings and desires
• like
• love
• hate
• need
• want
• wish

7. STATE VERBS
3. Verbs which express possession
• have got
• own
• belong to
• possess

8. STATE VERBS
4. Verbs which indicate price and measurement
• cost
• measure
• weigh

9. STATE VERBS
5. Verbs which express knowledge, opinions
and beliefs
• believe
• doubt
• forget
• guess
• hope
• imagine
• know
• agree/disagree
• prefer
• mean
• realize
• recognize
• remember
• suppose
• think
• understand

10. STATE VERBS
Some of them may be used in the continuous
when they express an action (not a state)
HAVE
He has a flat in London He’s having a shower

11. STATE VERBS
THINK
He thinks African girls have got a dark skin What is he thinking
about?
(have an opinion) (mental activity)

12. STATE VERBS
SEE
I see what you mean I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow

13. STATE VERBS
WEIGH
He weighs 70 kilos He’s weighing the bag