Non-Action Verbs in English – Understanding and Using Them

Non-action verbs and their role in making English sentences grammatically correct.

Non-Action Verbs Explained

In English grammar, verbs play a crucial role in forming sentences, as they tell us what action is happening.

But not all verbs describe physical or visible actions. Some verbs, known as non-action verbs, describe states, feelings, or conditions rather than actions.

In this guide, we’ll explore what non-action verbs are, how they differ from action verbs, and how to use them correctly in sentences.

Pro-tip: check out our Non-Action Verb List, or test yourself with Non-Action Verb Practice Exercises.

What Are Non-Action Verbs?

Non-action verbs are verbs that express a state, emotion, desire, possession, or sense rather than an action. Unlike action verbs (such as "run," "jump," or "speak"), non-action verbs do not describe something someone is doing physically.

  • Examples: love, know, believe, want, seem

These verbs are often used to describe how someone feels, what they know, or what they possess rather than an action they’re performing.

Examples of Non-Action Verbs for States of Being:

  • "He is a teacher."
  • "The sky looks blue."

Examples of Non-Action Verbs for Emotions or Feelings:

  • "I love chocolate."
  • "She dislikes waiting in line."

Examples of Non-Action Verbs for Possession:

  • "They own a beautiful house."
  • "We have enough time."

Non-Action Verbs vs. Action Verbs

The main difference between action and non-action verbs is that action verbs express something you can see or hear happening, while non-action verbs express internal or non-visible activities.

Examples of Action Verbs:

  • run, jump, eat, play

Examples of Non-Action Verbs:

  • know, believe, own, feel

Example Sentences:

  • Action Verb: She runs every morning.
  • Non-Action Verb: She knows the answer.

More examples:

Action Verbs:

  • "He runs every morning."
  • "They are cooking dinner now."

Non-Action Verbs:

  • "He knows the answer." (Not "He is knowing the answer.")
  • "They want some coffee." (Not "They are wanting some coffee.")

Comparison Example Sentences:

  • Action Verb: "She talks to her friend every day."

Common Categories of Non-Action Verbs

Non-action verbs can be divided into several categories, each describing a different type of state or condition.

1. Mental States

  • Examples: know, believe, understand, forget
  • Sentence: I believe that we can improve our skills.

2. Emotions and Feelings

  • Examples: love, hate, dislike, enjoy
  • Sentence: She loves reading books.

3. Possession

  • Examples: have, own, possess, belong
  • Sentence: They have a beautiful house by the lake.

4. Senses

  • Examples: see, hear, smell, taste
  • Sentence: I hear music coming from the room.

5. Existence and Appearance

  • Examples: seem, appear, look, resemble
  • Sentence: He seems happy today.

More examples:

Emotion/Feeling:

  • "He hates loud music."
  • "We appreciate your support."

Thinking/Belief:

  • "I know the answer."
  • "She doubts his intentions."

Possession/Belonging:

  • "That car belongs to him."

Understanding these categories can help you identify non-action verbs more easily when you read or write.

How to Use Non-Action Verbs in Sentences

Most non-action verbs are not used in the continuous (progressive) form. Instead of adding "-ing," we use the simple or continuous present tense.

  • Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.
  • Correct: I know the answer.

This is because non-action verbs represent conditions or states that are generally constant rather than happening at a specific moment.

When Can Non-Action Verbs Be Used in Continuous Form?

Some non-action verbs can occasionally be used in a continuous form when they refer to temporary states or specific contexts.

  • Standard Usage: I think you are correct. (Non-action form)
  • Continuous Form: I am thinking about what you said. (Action form)

The difference between “I think” and “I am thinking” lies in the nature of the thought. “I think” describes a general belief, while “I am thinking” describes an active mental process at the moment.

Correct Usage in Simple Tenses:

  • "I understand your concern." (Not "I am understanding your concern.")
  • "He needs a break." (Not "He is needing a break.")

Exceptions Where Continuous Tenses Are Acceptable:

  • "I’m loving this movie!" (Informal/modern usage)
  • "She’s feeling better now." (Temporary states)

Practice Exercises with Non-Action Verbs

Here are a few sentences to help you practise identifying and using non-action verbs.

Exercise 1: Identify the non-action verbs in each sentence.

  1. She believes in hard work.
  2. They own a cottage in the countryside.
  3. We know that learning English takes time.
  4. I hear a noise outside.

Exercise 2: Fill-in-the-Blanks.

  • I ______ (believe) you are right.
  • This book ______ (belong) to me.

Exercise 3: Error Identification.

  • He is needing help with his homework.
  • They are owning a pet dog.

Answers:

  • Exercise 1
    • believes
    • own
    • know
    • hear
  • Exercise 2
    • believe
    • belongs
  • Exercise 3
    • He needs help with his homework.
    • They own a pet dog.

By identifying non-action verbs in sentences, you can become more comfortable distinguishing between action and non-action verbs.

Tips for Remembering Non-Action Verbs

  1. Think about the meaning: If the verb describes a feeling, mental state, or possession, it’s likely a non-action verb.
  2. Avoid using -ing forms: For most non-action verbs, avoid using the continuous form to keep your sentences grammatically correct.
  3. Use examples: Familiarise yourself with examples of non-action verbs to understand how they fit into sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Action Verbs

Q1: Can non-action verbs be used in the progressive form?

A: Generally, non-action verbs are not used in the continuous (progressive) form. However, in some cases (like "thinking" or "feeling"), they can take a continuous form when they describe a temporary state or active process.

Q2: What are the most common non-action verbs?

A: Some common non-action verbs include know, believe, love, own, and seem.

Q3: How do I know if a verb is action or non-action?

A: Ask yourself if the verb describes a visible, physical activity. If it doesn’t, it is likely a non-action verb.

Q4: Can non-action verbs ever be used in continuous forms?

A: "I’m thinking about the problem." (Thinking is an exception as it can act as both action and non-action.)

Q5: Are there non-action verbs that can also be action verbs?

A: "I think he is right." (Non-action verb) vs. "She is thinking about the problem." (Action verb)

Conclusion

Non-action verbs are essential for expressing ideas, emotions, and states that do not involve physical actions. By understanding how to use these verbs and the difference between action and non-action verbs, you can improve your English writing and speaking skills.

Remember to practise identifying non-action verbs and using them correctly, especially avoiding continuous forms where they don’t apply.

If you found this article useful and want to learn more about Non-Action Verbs, have a look at our Non-Action Verb List or test yourself with Non-Action Verb Practice Exercises.

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