English in Use II Teacher Hugo Non-Progressive Verbs

NON-PROGRESSIVE VERBS (stative verbs)

a) I know your cousin.

Some verbs, like know, are non-progressive; that means that
b) (INCORRECT) they are rarely used in progressive tenses. They describe
states, not actions. (States are conditions or situations that
exist.)

Common verbs that are usually Non-Progressive (like know)

know like hate want sound promise

believe appreciate mind wish seem amaze

doubt care about belong consist of look like surprise

recognize please possess contain resemble

remember prefer own exist agree

suppose dislike desire matter disagree

understand fear need hear mean

c) I think that your cousin is very nice.

Some verbs, like think, have both non-progressive meanings
d) I’m thinking about my trip to Rome. and progressive meanings.

In c): think means “believe”

In d): am thinking means “thoughts are going around in my

mind right now.”

Common verbs with both Non-Progressive and Progressive meanings (like think)

NON-PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE

look
It looks cold outside.
Jenny is looking out the window.

appear
John appears to be tired today.
He’s appearing on a TV show today.

think
I think that Mr. Sanchez is a good teacher.
I’m thinking about my family right now.

feel
I feel that Mr. Sanchez is not a good teacher.
I’m feeling a bit tired today.

have
John has a bicycle.
He’s having a good time.

see
Can you see that dragon over there?
The doctor is seeing a patient right now.

taste
Chinese food tastes bittersweet.
The chef are tasting the soup.

smell
Something smells bad. What is it?
Sofia is smelling the perfume to see if she likes it.

love
Carlos loves his baby daughter.
Ken is enjoying his meal. In fact, he’s loving it.

be My grandma is old and wise. Alfred is being a fool because he won’t eat his veggies.