| Is it an action or a state? | | | | on the context for example: |
| Most people have learnt in school that verbs are | | | | 1. I have a dog called Picasso. |
| action words. It´s true, most are, but when | | | | 2. I have lunch every day. |
| preparing for your TEFL course it´s important | | | | In example 1 have is a synonym for the word possess |
| not to forget about state verbs. But let´s recap. | | | | or own. Both these synonyms are states of being. |
| An action word is a doing verb - think of an action and | | | | Owning something isn´t an action it´s a |
| it will know doubt be a verb. For example: | | | | state of being. Possessing something is a state of |
| To kick | | | | being. |
| To run | | | | However, in example 2 have is a synonym for the |
| To jump | | | | word eat. To eat is an action. |
| To scream | | | | Technically state verbs can´t be used in a |
| All the words above are actions - you do them. | | | | continuous form e.g. as an ING verb. For example, we |
| However, some verbs represent a state of being for | | | | can't say, "I'm possessing it" or "I'm owning it." However, |
| example to like is not an action it's a state. To | | | | there are fashionable exceptions thanks mainly to |
| demonstrate you like someone you might use actions | | | | MacDonald's who have made the saying "I'm loving it" |
| e.g. to hug, to kiss, to help - but to like on its own isn't | | | | acceptable but 'we of course don't say 'I am loving |
| an action. | | | | you', we say 'I love you'!! |
| Some verbs can be state and action words depending | | | | |