Guide to English grammar

expect so (= believe) imagine so (= believe) not care what happens admire someone's courage (= approve of) look lovely smell strange appear perfectly calm measure two metres/meters weigh ten kilos fit perfectly cost a lot ofmoney

We can use the continuous with some state verbs if we see something as active thinking or feeling for a period of time, rather than a permanent attitude.
I love holidays. (permanent attitude)
I'm loving every minute of this holiday. (active enjoyment)
Here are some more examples.
How are you liking the play? -Well, it's all right so far.
We were expecting visitors.
You're looking pleased with yourself.
This holiday is costing me a lot.
I'm hoping to get a job.
Be can be an action verb meaning “behave”. • 84(3)
The dog was being a nuisance, so we shut him out.

NOTE

1. 
   Mean (= have the meaning) is always a state verb.
   

What does this word mean?

2. 
   Enjoy expresses an action.
   

I'm enjoying the party.

5 Some verbs always express states and so cannot be continuous.

At the moment the building contains some old machinery.
I know the town quite well now.
These verbs are belong to, consist of, contain, depend on, deserve, desire, know, matter, own, possess, prefer, seem.

NOTE
The expression “get to know” can be continuous.

I'm getting to know the town quite well.

6 Hurt, ache and feel can be simple or continuous with little difference in meaning.

My arm hurt/was hurting.
I feel/I'm feeling depressed.

7 We often use can and could for perceptions.

I can see something under the sofa.
We could hear music.
I can smell something burning.
Sam could feel the weight of the rucksack.
We do not normally use the continuous.
NOT I'm seeing something.
We can use the past simple when the thing that we saw or heard was a complete action.
We saw a magnificent sunset.
Tom heard the whole story.
They felt the building shake.

A practical guide to English grammar 66

Smell, taste and feel as action verbs express a deliberate action.
Steve picked up the bottle and smelted the milk.
When we arrived, people were already tasting the wine.
Judy was feeling her way in the dark.

NOTE

1. 
   See (= meet) is an action verb, and see (= understand) is a state verb.