*Continuous and Non-Continuous Verbs*
English verbs can be divided into three major categories.
1. Normal verbs describe actions and can be expressed in any tense.
2. Non-continuous verbs describe a condition or a state of being. These verbs
cannot be used with the auxiliary verb "to be."
3. Mixed verbs have two meanings, one which describes an action and one which describes a state of being.
Normal Verbs
Normal verbs describe actions. A normal verb usually describes an activity that you can see. We can use the auxiliary verb "to be" to say that an action is happening right now
.
I am running.
He is sleeping.
We can also describe things happening in the past or the future.
Thomas was sleeping.
She will be starting a new job.
We can state that something is not happening, or phrase it as a question.
I was not kidding.
Were they playing baseball?
Non-Continuous Verbs
These are also called state verbs because they describe a condition or state of being.
Non-continuous verbs describe the way that something is, not an action. Non-continuous verbs never use the auxiliary verb "to be."
Abstract Verbs
A verb is non-continuous if it describes something that is not a concrete physical action. Here are some examples.
I believe you. Not: I am believing you.
He is hungry. Not: He is being hungry.
They owe money. Not: They are owing money.
*Verbs of Possession
Verbs which describe owning or belonging are non-continuous.
He owns a house. Not: He is owning a house.
The car belongs to Sam. Not: The car is belonging to Sam.
*Verbs of Emotion
Verbs describing an emotional state are non-continuous.
I like apple juice. Not: I am liking apple juice.
Romeo loves Juliet. Not: Romeo is loving Juliet.
She wants spaghetti. Not: She is wanting spaghetti.
*Mixed Verbs
Mixed verbs have more than one meaning. They can be used to describe an action or a state of
being.
Here are some examples.
We are having dinner. ("Having" describes the act of eating dinner)
I have a university degree. Not: I am having a university degree. ("Have" describes possession)
I am tasting this wine. (Describes the act of tasting)
This wine tastes sweet. Not: This wine is tasting sweet. (Describes the state of the wine)
You are being rude. (In this context, "being" means "acting or behaving," so it is a normal verb.)
You are short. Not: You are being short. (In this context, "are" describes a state of being)
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