Non-action Verbs

According to our earlier definition of the verb, a non-action verb describes an action. However, verbs aren’t only words that express actions such as eating, sleeping, or dancing; they also express a state of being or desire. Interestingly, this type of verb can be used without any action taking place.

In the first example given, we have instances of verbs that express a state of being or desire. They are:

• I want to eat.
• He wants to sleep.
• Suzan loves to dance.

Now, imagine a scenario between you and a stranger:

• Question 1: Are you Sam?
• Answer: Yes, I am.
• Question 2: Is he coming?
• Answer: He is.

In the above scenario, “am” and “is” are used as verbs without an action necessarily taking place. They also function as the main verb in the example and are not linking or helping verbs.