State Verbs: Think, Know, Like, Want

1 What Are State Verbs?

Some verbs are different. They do not describe actions. They describe states. What is a state? A state is something that stays the same. It does not change quickly.

When you say ‘I know English,’ this is a state. It is not an action. When you say ‘I like coffee,’ this is also a state. It is a feeling. These verbs are called state verbs.

State verbs have three groups. First, thinking verbs. These are verbs about your mind. You use them for opinions and ideas. Examples: think, believe, understand, remember, know. Second, feeling verbs. These are verbs about your feelings and emotions. Examples: like, love, hate, prefer. Third, possession and need verbs. These are verbs about what you own or need. Examples: have, want, need.

State verbs do not use -ing forms. This is very important! Many learners say ‘I am knowing’ or ‘I am wanting.’ This is wrong. State verbs use Present Simple only. You say ‘I know’ and ‘I want.’ This page helps you use state verbs correctly.

2 How to Use State Verbs

State verbs use Present Simple. They describe states that last a long time. They do not describe actions happening now. This is why you never use -ing with state verbs.

When you talk about your opinion, you say ‘I think it is good.’ You do NOT say ‘I am thinking it is good.’ When you talk about what you know, you say ‘She knows my name.’ You do NOT say ‘She is knowing my name.’ When you talk about what you want, you say ‘We want help.’ You do NOT say ‘We are wanting help.’

3 First Day at English School

Today is my first day at English school. I am a little nervous. I think the class is interesting. There are ten students. The teacher is very friendly. Her name is Ms. Carter. She knows all our names already!

I sit next to a student called Alex. Alex is from another country. He loves English music. He tells me about his favorite songs. I like music too. We talk about our hobbies. I want to learn more English. Alex wants to improve his speaking.

Ms. Carter gives us a vocabulary list. I don’t understand one word. I ask Alex. He doesn’t know the answer either. We ask Ms. Carter. She explains the word. Now I understand!

Another student, Sam, says something strange. He says ‘I am knowing this word.’ Ms. Carter smiles. She says ‘Good, Sam! But we say I know this word, not I am knowing.’ Sam understands now. He says ‘I know this word’ again. Perfect!

At the end of class, Ms. Carter asks ‘Do you like the class?’ Everyone says yes. I believe I can improve my English here. I have a good feeling about this school. Some students have questions. Ms. Carter answers all of them. I think she is a great teacher.

I prefer small classes like this one. I need practice with speaking. Ms. Carter says we can practice every day. I am happy. I love learning new things. This is a good school for me.

4 Your Turn: Write About Learning English

Now you can practice. Write about your opinions and feelings about learning English.

5 Remember This Rule

State verbs use Present Simple. Never use -ing forms with state verbs. This is the most important rule on this page.

Here is a simple decision rule. Ask yourself: Is this verb about my mind, my feelings, or what I own? If yes, use Present Simple. Do not use -ing.

Common state verbs to remember:

Thinking: think, know, believe, understand, remember

Feeling: like, love, hate, prefer

Possession and need: have, want, need

When you want to use -ing, stop. Check if the verb is a state verb. If it is a state verb, use Present Simple instead. This helps you speak natural English.

Signal words do not help with state verbs. You identify state verbs by their meaning, not by time words. State verbs describe states that last a long time. They are not about actions happening now.

Practice noticing state verbs. When you read or listen, look for them. When you speak or write, check your verbs. Is it a state verb? Then use Present Simple. This becomes easy with practice!