Introduction
Non progressive verbs are verbs that we do not find in progressive or continuous tenses and they are usually related to mental processes, emotional states, possession, sense perception, and some others.
Form
Non progressive verbs have the same form of the other verbs but we do not find them in progressive or continuous tenses when their meaning is related to mental processes, emotional states, possession, sense perception.
The most common non progressive verbs are:
| Amaze | Have |
| Appreciate | Hear |
| Astonish | Know |
| Believe | Like |
| Belong | Love |
| Desire | Mind |
| Dislike | Prefer |
| Envy | See |
| Fear | Seem |
| Hate | Sound |
NOTE: We can use non progressive verbs in progressive tenses to highlight a status of change.
Example
- I hear a noise.
- I believe he is telling the truth.
- He doesn’t mind being on time on his meetings.
- She appreciates the gift John gave her.
- They dislike people who are selfish and arrogant.
Use
Non progressive verbs are related to:
- mental processes;
- emotional states;
- possession;
- senses (the senses, which are involuntary actions);
- some other states, which are difficult to classify.
Summary
Non progressive verbs are related to mental processes, emotional states, possession and sense perception. Sometimes we use non progressive verbs in progressive or continuous tenses, but their meanings change.
The most common non progressive verbs are: amaze, appreciate, astonish, believe, desire, dislike, envy, like, love…
For example:
— “Sam loves chocolate.”
— “I see the bird on the tree.” / “I am seeing the doctor.” = See in the first sentence means that I see the bird at the moment, but in the second one it means that I will meet the doctor in the future.
NOTE: We can use non progressive verbs in progressive tenses to highlight a status of change.
For example:
— “The juice tastes better today.” / “The juice is tasting better today.”
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.