English Action and State verbs

In English language there are verbs that are not normally used in the Continuous Tense, because they describe rather state than an action. They are called state verb (stative verbs, non-progressive verbs). The verbs that can be used in the Continuous Tense are called action verbs (dynamic verbs). Some verbs can be both state and action verbs depending on their meaning. Here are some verbs that are not normally used in the Continuous Tense. like dislike love hate prefer remember forget believe mean seem understand want need know belong own Here are some a few verbs that can be both state and action verbs depending on their meaning. I think you made a mistake. think = believe I am thinking about my mum now. think = mental process I have two cars. have = possess, own I am having my lunch now. have = eat I am seeing my friend tomorrow evening. see = meeting with I see what you mean.See = understand

These English verbs are action verbs, state verbs, or can be both action and state verbs.

enjoy	---actionstateboth		read	---actionstateboth
weigh	---actionstateboth		feel	---actionstateboth
mind	---actionstateboth		prefer	---actionstateboth
smell	---actionstateboth		hear	---actionstateboth
play	---actionstateboth		burn	---actionstateboth
matter	---actionstateboth		measure	---actionstateboth
contain	---actionstateboth		agree	---actionstateboth
look	---actionstateboth		worry	---actionstateboth

Found via: Electricenglish.