The verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer to states, rather than actions or processes.
SENSES / PERCEPTION
- to feel*
- to hear
- to see*
- to smell
- to taste
OPINION
- to assume
- to believe
- to consider
- to doubt
- to feel (= to think)
- to find (= to consider)
- to suppose
- to think*
MENTAL STATES
- to forget
- to imagine
- to know
- to mean
- to notice
- to recognise
- to remember
- to understand
EMOTIONS / DESIRES
- to envy
- to fear
- to dislike
- to hate
- to hope
- to like
- to love
- to mind
- to prefer
- to regret
- to want
- to wish
MEASUREMENT
- to contain
- to cost
- to hold
- to measure
- to weigh
OTHERS
- to look (=resemble)
- to seem
- to be (in most cases)
- to have (when it means "to possess")*
EXCEPTIONS
Perception verbs (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) are often used with can: I can see... These verbs may be used in the continuous form but with a different meaning
- This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat's qualities)
- John's feeling much better now (his health is improving)
- She has three dogs and a cat. (possession)
- She's having supper. (She's eating)
- I can see Anthony in the garden (perception)
- I'm seeing Anthony later (We are planning to meet)