There is a popular song by John Mayer called “Love is a Verb.” In the song, Mayer says that love is a verb, and something that must be shown. We agree, love IS a verb: specifically, a Non-Action Verb!

Today we are looking at love as a Non-Action Verb (and how LOVE can also be used in the Active sense when speaking informally).

Non-Action Verbs

 Non-Action Verbs are also called “Stative” verbs. There are many in English, and they usually express emotions, states of being, desires, senses, opinion, or possession. These verbs are typically not used with the Present Progressive or other tenses that use -ING.

Here are some examples of these verbs.

Emotions

• feel
• like
• love

Examples:

• I feel like eating Thai food tonight. (Not “I am feeling like eating Thai food tonight.”)
• I really like the band New Direction. (Not “I am really liking the band New Direction.”)
• I love this song. (Not “I am loving this song.”)

States of being

• be
• exist

Examples:

• I am a student. (Not “I am being a student.”)
• Does the truth exist? (Not “Is the truth existing?”)

Desires

• desire
• need
• wish
• want

Examples:

• The desire for wealth can be a motivator for many people. (Not “The desiring for wealth”)
• I need some coffee! (Not “I am needing some coffee.)
• I wish I could take a vacation. (Not “I am wishing I could take a vacation.”)
• I want to go to the Bahamas. (Not “I am wanting to go to the Bahamas.”)

Senses

• feel
• hear
• see
• smell
• taste
• touch

Senses are interesting verbs. They can actually be used in the Active or Non-Active sense: see our article on Taste and Other Active/Non-Active Verbs for more information!

Opinion

• agree
• disagree
• believe
• think

Examples:

• I totally agree with you. (Not “I am totally agreeing with you.”)
• I disagree with what the man said. (Not “I am disagreeing with what the man said.”)
• I believe you. (Not “I am believing you.”)
• I think you’re right! (Not “I am thinking you’re right!”)

Possession

• have*
• own
• possess

Examples:

• I have a car. (Not “I am having a car.”)
• He owns a house on the beach. (Not “He is owning a house on the beach.”)
• You possess a great happiness. (Not “You are possessing a great happiness.”)

It is important to note that there are times when these verbs can be used in the -ING form. See our article on Action vs. Non-Action Verbs for more details.

*Have can be used in the -ING form when it is a part of an expression. For example, “I’m having dinner with Tim tonight” or “Are you having a good time?” are perfectly acceptable because HAVING + A MEAL and HAVING + A GOOD TIME are common expressions. 

Love as a Non-Action Verb

Love is a Non-Action Verb, but it CAN be used in the Active sense when speaking informally. As we have all heard, McDonald’s famous slogan is “I’m lovin’ it!” This is technically grammatically incorrect, but it reflects an informal way of saying “I currently really like this.”

John Mayer’s song states that “Love is a verb.” Now you know exactly what type of verb it is! Take a look at Mayer’s lyrics and listen to the song using the video below.

“Love is a Verb” by John Mayer

Love is a verb
It ain’t a thing
It’s not something you own
It’s not something you scream

When you show me love
I don’t need your words
Yeah love ain’t a thing
Love is a verb
Love ain’t a thing
Love is a verb

 

Love ain’t a crutch
It ain’t an excuse
No you can’t get through love
On just a pile of I-O-Us

Love ain’t a drug
Despite what you’ve heard
Yeah love ain’t a thing
Love is a verb
Love ain’t a thing
Love is a verb