Verbs that Typically Don't Take the "-ing" Form: A Guide to Proper Verb Usage

English grammar can be a tricky landscape to navigate, and one common area of confusion is knowing which verbs can and cannot be used in the "-ing" form. While many verbs happily accept the "-ing" suffix to denote continuous or ongoing actions, some have a distinct preference for other forms. In this article, we will explore a list of verbs that typically do not take the "-ing" form and discuss the reasons behind these linguistic choices.

Stative Verbs: Stative verbs are those that describe a state rather than an action. These verbs generally don't lend themselves to continuous or ongoing forms. Examples include "believe," "know," "understand," and "love." For instance:

Incorrect: "I am knowing the answer."

Correct: "I know the answer."

Possession Verbs: Verbs indicating possession or ownership, such as "have" or "own," usually do not take the "-ing" form when describing ownership. For example:

Incorrect: "She is having a car."

Correct: "She has a car."

Sensory Verbs: Verbs related to the senses, such as "see," "hear," "smell," "taste," and "feel," are generally not used in the continuous form unless there is a specific emphasis on a temporary action. For example:

Incorrect: "I am seeing the movie tomorrow."

Correct: "I will see the movie tomorrow."

Emotion Verbs: Similar to stative verbs, emotion verbs like "like," "dislike," "hate," and "prefer" typically do not take the "-ing" form. For instance:

Incorrect: "She is hating spinach."

Correct: "She hates spinach."

Causative Verbs: Verbs indicating causing or making something to happen, such as "make," "cause," and "let," are generally not used in the continuous form. For example:

Incorrect: "He is making a cake now."

Correct: "He is making a cake for the party."

Understanding which verbs do not typically take the "-ing" form is essential for constructing grammatically correct and precise sentences. While there may be exceptions based on context, this guide provides a solid foundation for navigating the nuances of English grammar. By mastering the proper usage of these verbs, writers and speakers can enhance the clarity and accuracy of their communication.