State vs Action Verbs - YouSpeak PLUS

States vs Actions

State vs. Action Verbs

In English, verbs generally fall into two categories:

Action verbs, which describe things we do.
(e.g., run, talk, write, play)
These verbs easily take progressive forms (I’m running, she’s talking).
State verbs, which describe situations, states, or conditions, not actions.
(e.g., want, love, know, understand)
Normally, these verbs do not use progressive forms because they don’t describe actions.

Important: Although state verbs aren’t usually used in progressive forms, some states can be short-lived or temporary. In such cases, we still prefer simple forms:

I wanted a drink earlier, but now I don’t. (Not: I was wanting…)

However, you might occasionally see state verbs used in progressive forms when the speaker wants to emphasize a temporary situation or changing state:

I’m loving this party! (temporary emphasis)
She’s being difficult today. (Temporary behavior)

This page will clarify the main differences clearly, helping you use these verbs confidently and correctly!

Common State Verbs by Category

State verbs usually describe states, feelings, senses, possession, and mental activities—not physical actions. Here are useful examples organized clearly by category, along with sentences illustrating a variety of simple tenses:

1. Feelings and Emotions:
like, love, hate, prefer, dislike, want, feel like (= want), need, wish, care

Present Simple: I like chocolate.
Past Simple: She wanted a new phone.
Present Perfect: I’ve always loved classical music.
Future Simple: I will need help later.

2. Thinking and Opinions:
know, believe, understand, realize, suppose, think (opinion), remember, forget, agree, disagree, doubt

Present Simple: He believes in ghosts.
Past Simple: I realized my mistake.
Present Perfect Simple: They’ve always known the truth.
Future Simple: I suppose she’ll arrive soon.

3. Senses and Perception:
see, hear, taste, smell, feel, sound, look, seem, appear

Present Simple: This soup tastes delicious.
Past Simple: The music sounded great.
Present Perfect Simple: Have you ever seen a whale?
Future Simple: That seems difficult, but we’ll try.

4. Possession and Relationship:
have (possession), own, belong, contain, include, involve

Present Simple: She owns two houses.
Past Simple: The box contained some old photos.
Present Perfect Simple: We’ve always had a dog.
Future Simple: The price will include delivery.

5. Measurement and Existence:
cost, weigh, measure, consist, exist, depend, matter

Present Simple: This cake costs $10.
Past Simple: The building consisted of six rooms.
Present Perfect Simple: Dinosaurs haven’t existed for millions of years.
Future Simple: Your success will depend on hard work.

Note: State verbs rarely appear in progressive forms, even if the state is temporary. However, some state verbs have a ‘progressive’ form, but the meaning of the verb changes. See the panel on the right →

State Verbs with Different Meanings in Progressive Tenses

Some state verbs change their meaning when used in the progressive form:

1. THINK

State: “I think it’s a good idea.” (In my opinion)
❌ Common mistake: “I think to go on holiday soon.” (incorrect)
Action (progressive): “I’m thinking about going on holiday soon.” (considering, reflecting, planning)

2. HAVE

State: possession or illness
- “I have a car.” (possession)
- “She has a headache.” (suffering from something)
Action (progressive): experiencing or organizing something
- “I’m having a party on Saturday.” (organizing, hosting)
- “We’re having lunch right now.” (eating, experiencing)

3. BE

State: permanent or general characteristic
- “He’s usually quiet.”
Action (progressive): temporary behavior or attitude
- “He’s being very loud today.” (temporary behavior now, acting in a specific way)

4. SEE

State: understand or use your eyes (often used with “can”)
- “I see what you mean.” (= understand)
- “I see.” (= I understand)
- “I can see the car coming.” (= visual perception)
Action (progressive): meeting or dating someone (frequently), or having an appointment with someone.
- “I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow.” (appointment)
- “She’s been seeing someone recently.” (dating)

5. OTHER SENSE VERBS (smell, taste, look)

State: characteristic or quality
- “This cheese smells terrible.” (characteristic)
- “This cheese stinks.” (NB: Stink = smell really bad, be malodorous)
Action (progressive): actively using your senses to test something
- “I’m smelling the milk to see if it’s off.” (action happening now. NB: ‘to be off’ means a food has become inedible or rotten)

6. FEEL (special note: tricky verb!)

State: expressing opinions or general sensations
- “I feel he’s wrong about this.” (opinion – NOT I’m feeling he’s wrong)
- “I feel ill.” (general physical state)
- “I feel like a coffee”. (state. Feel like = want)
Action (progressive): temporary or current physical sensations
- “I’m feeling ill.” (temporary or right now)
- “I’m feeling nervous today.” (temporary condition)

Dialogue: State Verbs in Action!

Anna: Hey, what do you think of this new café?

Tom: I think it’s it lovely and the food is good. Actually, I’m thinking about ordering dessert. That cake looks delicious!

Anna: Good idea! I have some money, let me pay.

Tom: Thanks! I’m having problems with my credit card today.

Anna: No problem. By the way, are you still seeing Sarah?

Tom: Yeah, I’ve been seeing her for a month now. I really like her, but I feel she might not be so serious about it.

Anna: Interesting. I think you’re worrying too much. Maybe she’s just being careful.

Tom: Perhaps you’re right. Anyway, I’m thinking about inviting her to dinner this weekend.

Anna: Good idea! We’re having a barbecue at our place on Saturday—you can bring her if you want.

Tom: Actually, Sarah has a cold at the moment, but if she’s feeling better by then, I’ll definitely ask her.

Anna: Great! Let me know how it goes.

Notice these important points:

Think
- I think you’re worrying too much. (state verb = my opinion)
- I’m thinking about inviting her to dinner. (progressive verb = considering)
See
- I’ve been seeing Sarah. (action verb = dating or meeting someone regularly)
Have
- She has a cold. (state verb = suffering from an illness)
- We’re having a party. (action verb meaning performing or hosting)
Feel
- I feel she’s not serious. (state verb = opinion)
- She’s feeling better. (action verb = experiencing physical sensation)

States vs Actions