Progressive/Non-Progr. Verbs - Func. Grammar

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There are some verbs which cannot be used in the progressive or continuous tenses. We can say "I am reading a book" when we wish to express that the action of reading is in progress. However, we cannot say "I am seeing somebody who is trying to hide" because the verb "see" indicates an involuntary action: if you are not blind, you see; you are able to see something or not. So you need to say "I am looking at somebody who is trying to hide". You see that person and you are looking at that person.

The general rule is that verbs which cannot be use in progressive or continuous tenses are those related to mental processes, emotional states, possession, sense perception (the senses, which are involuntary actions), and then some other, difficult to classify. Here are some examples:

I want to get a new pair of jeans.
I believe/think/feel/imagine you could be wrong.
I didn't realize what you meant
I understand your point, but I don't agree.
I forgot to bring the keys!
Yes, I remember.
I doubt it.
I mean, I would like to see you more often.

I love you
I hate it - I hate going out at weekends!
Do you mind if I smoke?
They don't care
I appreciate (Thanks!)
I didn't like the movie

I have (got) a brother
Have you got a house?
Do you own a house?
This belongs to me

What does that taste like?
It smells of burning
I can't hear!
Move! I can't see!

It seems we're getting nowhere!
I am a student
I owe you some money, remember?
It includes the meals
It costs 2,000 euros!

But of course, the story is not that simple (Surprise, surprise...)

There are some verbs which change their meaning depending on whether they are used in the progressive or non-progressive tenses! Consider the following examples: