What Are Sense Verbs?
Sense verbs describe how we experience the world through our five senses: see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. These verbs are special because they help us express physical sensations and perceptions.
The Five Main Sense Verbs
• See (vision)
• Hear (sound)
• Taste (flavor)
• Smell (odor)
• Feel (touch/emotion)
• Hear (sound)
• Taste (flavor)
• Smell (odor)
• Feel (touch/emotion)
These verbs usually function as state verbs, similar to the mental state verbs we learned earlier.
Basic Usage Patterns
Sense verbs typically follow these patterns:
1. Subject + sense verb + object
2. Subject + sense verb + that + clause
3. Subject + can + sense verb + object (for ability)
1. Subject + sense verb + object
2. Subject + sense verb + that + clause
3. Subject + can + sense verb + object (for ability)
Examples
I see a bird in the tree.Basic pattern with direct object – expressing visual perception
Can you smell the fresh bread?Using 'can' with sense verb to ask about ability to perceive
I hear that you're moving to London.Using sense verb with 'that' clause for indirect information
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I am seeing the mountains.
✅ Correct: I see the mountains.
Explanation: Sense verbs are usually state verbs and don't take continuous forms
❌ Incorrect: I feel sad today.
✅ Correct: I feel sad today.
Explanation: This is actually correct! 'Feel' is unique as it can describe both physical and emotional states
Tips for Success
- Most sense verbs are state verbs and rarely use continuous forms
- Use 'can' with sense verbs to talk about ability to perceive
- Remember that 'feel' can describe both physical and emotional sensations
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Builds on state verb concept from previous pages
- Extends understanding of verbs that resist continuous forms
- Connects to emotional states through 'feel'