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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
What is a nonaction verb?
Hello.
Which sentence is incorrect?
1. They've owned that car for 3 years.
2. They've been owning that car for 3 years.
My book says #2 is wrong because owning is a nonaction verb, so it can't be used in the continuous. But, my book doesn't explain what a nonaction verb is.
My question is this.....I though all verbs have to show action! What's up with nonaction verbs?
Please help me better understand this. Thanks.
Which sentence is incorrect?
1. They've owned that car for 3 years.
2. They've been owning that car for 3 years.
My book says #2 is wrong because owning is a nonaction verb, so it can't be used in the continuous. But, my book doesn't explain what a nonaction verb is.
My question is this.....I though all verbs have to show action! What's up with nonaction verbs?
Please help me better understand this. Thanks.
Top answer
The alternative to an 'action' verb is a 'stative' verb, expressing a state of being: I live in Yokohama. I know your name. I have a headache.
- The alternative to an 'action' verb is a 'stative' verb, expressing a state of being: I live in Yokohama.
- I know your name.
- I have a headache.
- The designation 'non-action' verb (I am not familiar with that term specifically) may include the copulatives as well: I am Canadian-American.
- James seems tired tonight.
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2 Answers
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The alternative to an 'action' verb is a 'stative' verb, expressing a state of being:
I live in Yokohama.
I know your name.
I have a headache.
The designation 'non-action' verb (I am not familiar with that term specifically) may include the copulatives as well:
I am Canadian-American.
James seems tired tonight.
I live in Yokohama.
I know your name.
I have a headache.
The designation 'non-action' verb (I am not familiar with that term specifically) may include the copulatives as well:
I am Canadian-American.
James seems tired tonight.
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To check a few questionable verbs of being, substitute is or are.
Examples: seems, feels, tastes, looks, etc.
He tastes the food. (action)
It tastes good. (It is good)
He looks at the girl. (action)
She looks nice! (She is nice).
Examples: seems, feels, tastes, looks, etc.
He tastes the food. (action)
It tastes good. (It is good)
He looks at the girl. (action)
She looks nice! (She is nice).
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