▷ Verbs in the English Present Continuous (progressive)

There are several verbs that are not typically used in the present continuous tense (also known as the present progressive tense).

Some verbs are not typically used in the present continuous tense because they represent states, qualities, or non-action verbs. These verbs describe conditions or characteristics that are not usually associated with ongoing or temporary actions. Here are a few reasons why certain verbs are not commonly used in the present continuous tense:

Non-continuous (stative) verbs

These verbs describe states or conditions rather than actions and are not usually used in the present continuous (progressive). For example, we say “I understand” instead of “I am understanding.”

Stative verb	Present Simple	Present Continuous
Believe	She believes his story.	She is believing his story.
Understand	They understand the task.	They are understanding the task.
Know	Do you know me?	Are you knowing me?
Love	She loves the new movie.	She is loving the new movie.
Hate	They hate this weather.	They are hating this weather.
Prefer	He prefers the blue one.	He is preferring the blue one.
Want	Do you want a cup of coffee?	Are they wanting a cup of coffee?
Need	She needs any assistance.	She is needing any assistance.
Belong	It does not belong to him.	It is not belonging to him.
Feel	She does not feel well today.	She is not feeling well today.

Please note that while some of these verbs can have continuous (progressive) forms in specific contexts, in their general usage, they are more commonly used as non-continuous verbs.

Verbs of perception

Verbs that involve perception or senses are not commonly used in the present continuous because they are generally not ongoing actions. For example, we say “I see a bird” instead of “I am seeing a bird.”

Verb of Perception	Present Simple	Present Continuous
see	I see a bird in the sky.	I am seeing a movie at the theater.
hear	I hear a beautiful song.	I am hearing a loud noise outside.
smell	It smells delicious in here.	It is smelling like fresh flowers.
taste	The soup tastes salty.	The food is tasting amazing.
feel	She feels cold in the winter.	I am feeling tired after a long day.

Note: While the verbs of perception can be used in the present continuous (progressive) tense to describe ongoing or temporary sensations, they are more commonly used in the present simple tense to express general or habitual perceptions. The present continuous is typically used when the action or sensation is happening at the time of speaking.

Verbs of thinking

Verbs that describe mental activities or thoughts are not typically used in the present continuous. For example, we say “I think you’re right” instead of “I am thinking you’re right.”

Verb of Thinking	Present Simple	Present Continuous
think	I think it’s a good idea.	I am thinking about my future plans.
believe	She believes in ghosts.	She is believing in herself.
consider	They consider him a good candidate.	They are considering their options.
suppose	I suppose you’re right.	I am supposing that it will rain later.
imagine	He imagines a world without war.	He is imagining himself on a beach.

Note: While verbs of thinking can be used in the present continuous (progressive) tense to describe ongoing thoughts or contemplation, they are more commonly used in the present simple tense to express general thoughts, beliefs, or opinions. The present continuous is typically used when the thinking process is happening at the time of speaking.

Verbs of possession

Verbs that indicate ownership or possession are not commonly used in the present continuous. For example, we say “I have a car” instead of “I am having a car.”

Verb of Possession	Present Simple	Present Continuous
have	I have a cat.	I am having dinner with friends.
own	They own a beautiful house.	They are owning a new business.
possess	She possesses great talent.	She is possessing a calm demeanor.
hold	He holds a key to the door.	He is holding a meeting in his office.
belong	These books belong to me.	These books are belonging to the library.

Note: While verbs of possession can be used in the present continuous tense to describe temporary possession or actions related to possession, they are more commonly used in the present simple tense to express permanent or general possession. The present continuous is typically used when there is an ongoing action or temporary possession happening at the time of speaking.

TIP: 100 verbs in the present continuous tense

Verbs of feeling and emotion

Verbs that describe emotions or feelings are generally not used in the present continuous. For example, we say “I love chocolate” instead of “I am loving chocolate.”

Verb of Feeling/Emotion	Present Simple	Present Continuous
feel	I feel happy.	I am feeling excited about the upcoming trip.
love	They love ice cream.	They are loving the beautiful weather today.
hate	She hates spiders.	She is hating the long wait at the airport.
enjoy	We enjoy playing music.	We are enjoying the concert right now.
like	He likes to read books.	He is liking the new TV series.

Note: Verbs of feeling and emotion are typically used in the present simple tense to express general states or opinions. The present continuous tense is less common with these verbs and is usually used to describe temporary or ongoing feelings or emotions happening at the time of speaking.

TIP: Present Continuous Tense Examples

Typically used verbs in the Present Continuous tense

In English, the Present Continuous tense (also known as the Present Progressive tense) is commonly used with verbs that describe actions or activities happening at the time of speaking. Here are some examples of verbs that are typically used in the Present Continuous tense:

Verbs of action: run, walk, eat, drink, dance, swim, play, write, speak, work, read, etc.
- Example: I am running in the park.
Verbs of temporary states or conditions: feel, look, seem, smell, taste.
- Example: She is feeling tired today.
Verbs of change or progression: grow, develop, improve, get, become, change, etc.
- Example: The flowers are growing in the garden.
Verbs of communication: talk, speak, say, tell, discuss, chat, etc.
- Example: They are talking on the phone.
Verbs of perception: see, hear, listen, watch, notice, observe, etc.
- Example: He is watching a movie.
Verbs of movement: go, come, arrive, leave, travel, fly, walk, etc.
- Example: We are going to the beach.

It’s important to note that while these verbs are typically used in the Present Continuous tense, they can also be used in other tenses depending on the context and intended meaning.

More examples of Present Continuous sentences

Present Continuous Affirmative:

Present Continuous Negative:

Present Continuous Interrogative:

10/10 - (4 votes)