NON CONTINUOUS VERBS

Non Continuous Verbs is the verb which is not used in continuous tenses. In English language we find a few verbs that are used as non continuous because of having non continuous sense. Some verbs are used as both continuous and non continuous with different meaning.

Types of Non Continuous Verbs:

Non-Continuous verbs are classified in several types. These are given below:

Abstract Verbs:

to cost, to seem, to need, to be, to want, to care, to contain, to owe, to exist

Possession Verbs:

to own, to possess, to belong

Emotion Verbs:

to hate, to dislike, to fear, to like, to love, to envy, to mind

Incorrect:        I am wanting to have a higher degree.

Correct:          I want to have a higher degree.

Incorrect:        My uncle is possessing vast property.

Correct:          My uncle possesses vast property.

A list of Non Continuous verbs that are used in continuous forms with different meaning are explained with example:

to appear:

Arif appears (seems) confused.  [Non-Continuous Verb]

My favourite dancer is appearing (performing) at the stage. [Normal Verb]

to have:

I have (possess) only 100 tk now.  [Non-Continuous Verb]

I am having (experiencing) a lot of fun now. [Normal Verb] 

to see:

I saw (see with eyes) the beauty of tea-garden.  [Non-Continuous Verb]

I am seeing (investigating) the matter. [Normal Verb]

I am watching a new action movie.  [to see something that is continuous]

[Note: 'See' means a short observation where 'Watch' stands for a deep & long observation.]

to look:

Flowers look (seems) beautiful when they bloom.  [Non-Continuous Verb]

Jamir is looking at (looking with his eyes) the flowers.  [Normal Verb]

to smell:

The food smells (spread smell) good.  [Non-Continuous Verb]

She is smelling (sniffing) all the flowers. [Normal Verb]

to taste:

All the food items taste good. (has a good taste)  [Non-Continuous Verb]

She is tasting (examining the taste) all the food items before serving. [Normal Verb]