Verbs that refuse -ing: know, want, like, need, believe, understand, belong; the think/have/see meaning splits
I can keep state verbs in simple forms and switch the double-life verbs by meaning.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
I know what you're thinking, and no, the cake doesn't belong to you.
I know what you're thinking, and no, the cake doesn't belong to you.
We're having dinner with the neighbours - they have a pizza oven now.
We're having dinner with the neighbours - they have a pizza oven now.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
States don't progress:
| Group | Verbs |
|---|---|
| thinking | know, believe, understand, remember, mean |
| feeling | like, love, hate, want, need, prefer |
| having/being | belong, own, contain, cost, seem |
*I am knowing is impossible: states take present simple even right now: I want tea now, not *I'm wanting tea now. Double-life verbs: I think it's late (opinion - state) vs I'm thinking about you (process); I have a car (state) vs I'm having lunch (activity).
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises
Practice Exercises-ing on state verbs
know/want/need: simple forms only
think/have/see splits missed
State meaning = simple; activity = -ing
I know what you're thinking, and no, the cake doesn't belong to you.
I know what you're thinking, and no, the cake doesn't belong to you.
know/belong stay simple; thinking is a process here.
We're having dinner with the neighbours - they have a pizza oven now.
We're having dinner with the neighbours - they have a pizza oven now.
having dinner (activity) vs have an oven (possession).
The check for this topic is still being prepared
Ready-made hints are free
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises