Lesson no. 20 Verbs and Event Verbs in English
In modern English Grammar, Finite Verbs are classified in two broad categories. They are State Verbs and Event Verbs.
Examples of State Verbs
State of Being
|
Verb |
Sentences |
|
Be |
He is a very brave boy. We are Pakistani and they are Chines |
|
Remain |
I remain silent in such cases He remains dumb all along |
State of Perceiving
|
Verb |
Sentences |
|
See |
I se, you are a fool. |
|
Hear |
I hear a buzzing sounds |
|
Feel |
I feel tired. She feels ashamed of your behavior. |
|
Smell |
The rose smells sweet. |
|
Taste |
Honey tastes sweet. |
State of mind & emotional state
|
Verb |
Sentences |
|
Love |
Everybody loves his mother. |
|
Hate |
You should not hate the poor. |
|
Like |
Ayesha likes to wear white dress. |
|
Believe |
I believe that you are telling the truth. |
|
Forget |
I often forget his name. |
|
Appear |
The dog appears to be mad. |
State of Relationship
|
Verb |
Sentences |
|
Have |
I have a brother and a sister. |
|
Own |
Do you own a motor bike? |
|
Owe |
You owe your own house. |
|
Belong |
This book belongs to me. |
|
Deserve |
The brave boy deserves praise. |
Examples of Event Verbs
Event Verb of single event and repeated events
|
Verb |
Sentences |
|
Buy |
I bought an orange from the market. (single event) |
|
Buy |
I bought an orange from the market regularly (repeated event) |
Difference between State Verbs and Event Verbs
State Verbs are used only in Non- Progressive forms. But Event Verbs are used in both Progressive and Non-Progressive.
Note- Sometimes State Verbs may be used in Progressive forms, then the Verbs are changed into Event Verbs and don`t remain the State Verbs.
Examples:
He has a dog. (State Verb)
He is having his lunch. (Event Verb)
I forgot your name. (State Verb)
I am forgetting names now a day. (Event Verb)
Honey taste sweet. (State Verb)
He is tasting honey. (Event Verb)
There are some State Verbs which change their meaning when used in Progressive form.
Examples:
The boy looks (appears) like his father.
The boy is looking (becoming) more and more like his father.
You look (appear) bright today.
She is looking at (seeing) the moon.
