Some verbs cannot be used in the progressive tenses. They are called non-action verbs.
These verbs talk about or describe mental states, emotional states, possession, sense
perceptions, or other existing states. The most common non-action verbs are:
Mental States:
know suppose imagine think
realize feel* doubt need
understand want remember prefer
believe recognize
Emotional States:
love dislike mind like
appreciate fear envy care
hate
Possession:
have* possess own belong
Sensory Perception:
hear taste * smell * see* feel*
Other Existing States:
seem look* exist owe be* contain cost include
consist of appear*
weigh*
Note the usage in the following sentences:
Mr. Tactful is seeming like a nice guy.
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(Wrong!)
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Mr. Tactful seems like a nice guy.
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(Correct)
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This salad is tasting delicious.
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(Wrong!)
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This salad tastes delicious.
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(Correct)
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I am liking banana cream pie.
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(Wrong!)
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I like banana cream pie.
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(Correct)
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Some verbs have both action and non-action meanings. They are indicated by an asterisk* in the table above. The situation determines whether the action or non-action form of the verb is used.
Those flowers look beautiful.
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(Non-action)
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Flora is looking out the window.
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(Action)
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I think that's a great idea.
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(Non-action)
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I am thinking about my upcoming speech.
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(Action)
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We have a brand new car.
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(Non-action)
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We are having a party this weekend.
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(Action)
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Craig is a real estate agent.
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(Non-action)
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Billy is being naughty today.
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(Action)
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