Mixed Verbs
We have talked about Normal Verb and Non-Continuous Verbs. But there is the third group. The group of Mixed Verbs is the smallest and most interesting one. It containes those verbs whose meaning in non-continuous forms is different than in continuous ones.
For example, let's take the verb see.
The non-continuous meaning of this verb is to understand:
- Oh, I see what you mean.
Meanwhile, the continuous meaning is to visit:
- I'm seeing the dentist tomorrow.
Interesting, isn't it?
More examples
Non-Continuous Meanings
think = "have an opinion" — I think this is way too expensive.
taste = "have a taste" — This cake tastes yummy!
feel = "have an opinion" — She feels this is not right.
see = "understand" — I see what you meant.
appear = "look like" — This watch appears to be broken.
look = "seem" — It looks pretty tasty!
Continuous Meanings
think = "use the brain" — Please, don't disturb — I'm thinking hard about something.
taste = "use the mouth" — Let me taste the soup.
feel = "feel physically" — I'm not feeling well today.
see = "visit" — Mike is seeing a doctor this morning.
appear = "be on stage / perform" — David Copperfield is performing at the Globe tonight.
look = "stare at" — When she entered the room, everone was looking at her.
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