Action or state verbs
Whether this verb can go into the Continuous at all.
action → Simple or Continuous | state → Simple only
Action verbs describe something that starts, continues and stops, so they move freely between Present Simple and Present Continuous. State verbs describe a state rather than a process and normally stay out of the Continuous: Present Simple covers both a permanent and a temporary state, and a time expression (today, at the moment) marks the temporary one. A separate group works both ways — have, think, feel, taste, look, see name a state in one sense and an action in another, and that is where the Continuous is available.
Examples
- I know the manager.
- I need more time today.
- I'm shipping the order right now.
- I'm having lunch with the broker.
I am knowing the answer.
I know the answer.
know is a state, so the Continuous is not used even about this very moment.
She is wanting a bigger truck.
She wants a bigger truck.
want is always a state. Present Simple covers a temporary wish too.
I am having a company car.
I have a company car.
have meaning possess is a state. Yet "I am having lunch" is correct, because there have names an action.
Common mistakes
- Reaching for the Continuous to stress "right now": I am understanding → I understand.
- Concluding that have, think and feel never take the Continuous. They do, in their action sense: I am thinking about the rate.
- A temporary state does not make the verb dynamic: I do not feel well today, not I am not feeling well.