State Verbs vs Action Verbs | Why I Am Liking is Wrong | On Your Mark's English
- Mark Connolly
- Jan 27
- 1 min read
🎥 Watch the video version of this lesson above!
Have you ever said "I am liking this song" or "I am wanting to go home?"
While people might understand you, these sentences are actually grammatically incorrect in English!
What are State Verbs? 💡
Most verbs are "action verbs," things you do with your body (like run, eat, sleep).
However, State Verbs describe a state of being, a feeling, or a thought.
Because these things are not "actions" that are happening right now, we don't use the Present Continuous (-ing) form with them.
The Categories of State Verbs:
Emotions: Like, Love, Hate, Want, Need.
Mental States: Know, Remember, Believe, Understand, Guess.
Possession: Have, Own, Belong.
Senses: Sound, Hear, Seem.
The Correct Way to Speak:
Even if you are feeling something right now, use the Present Simple:
"I need help." (Not: "I am needing help.")
"He looks tired." (Not: "He is looking tired.")
Exceptions ⚠️
You might hear McDonald's say, "I'm lovin' it."
In modern, very casual English, people sometimes break this rule for emphasis, but for your exams and professional English, it is best to stick to the standard rule!
Your Turn
Let's practice! Fix this sentence: "I am understanding the lesson now."
Write the correct version in the comments down below!
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