Question

b) Some verbs are used only in simple tenses. For example, you cannot say 'I am knowing
You can only say I know. Here is a list of verbs which are not normally used in
continuous tenses (but there are exceptions):
want
like
belong
need
love
see
prefer
hate
hear
have (when the meaning is 'possess' - see also Unit 24)
think (when the meaning is 'believe')
P
know
realise
believe
Do you like London? (not 'are you liking')
- He doesn't understand. (not 'he isn't understanding')
suppose
mean
understand
-
remember
forget
seem
These shoes belong to me. (not 'are belonging')
- What do you think Tom will do? (= What do you believe he will do?)
but: What are you thinking about? (= What is going on in your mind?)

Answer 1

The list of verbs that are not normally used in continuous tenses includes:

1. want
2. like
3. belong
4. need
5. love
6. see
7. prefer
8. hate
9. hear
10. have (when the meaning is 'possess')
11. think (when the meaning is 'believe')
12. know
13. realise
14. believe
15. suppose
16. mean
17. understand
18. remember
19. forget
20. seem

Examples:
- Do you like London? (not 'are you liking')
- He doesn't understand. (not 'he isn't understanding')
- These shoes belong to me. (not 'are belonging')
- What do you think Tom will do? (= What do you believe he will do?)
(but: What are you thinking about? = What is going on in your mind?)