Grammar: Word classes: Verbs
|
Thinking, feeling and perceiving verbs |
What are thinking, feeling and perceiving verbs?
These verbs form a group because they involve mental activity rather than physical activity:
Miss Lee wondered why the children were so tired. |
|
We use thinking verbs to refer to cognitive processes such as thinking, wondering, knowing and remembering:
Miss Lee wondered why the children were so tired.
"This looks like a job for Granny Gong!" thought Miss Lee.
We use feeling verbs to refer to emotions like loving, hating, wanting and needing:
Wouldn't you like to watch some TV? You can watch any programme you like!
I need some sleep. I want you to go and look for some sleep.
We use perceiving verbs to express phenomena which we sense, mainly through seeing and hearing:
He looked through the window and saw Bozo putting away his books.
Miss Lee noticed that several students were walking around like zombies.
We use particular grammatical patterns with thinking, feeling and perceiving verbs. For example, when talking about thoughts and emotions, we typically use the present simple. Here are two simple poems with the thinking and feeling verbs highlighted:
Doctor Fell
I do not like you Doctor Fell,
The reason why, I cannot tell.
But this I know, and know very well,
I do not like you Doctor Fell.
Anonymous
I hate and I love
I hate and I love.
And if you ask me how,
I do not know: I only feel it,
And I'm torn in two.
Catullus
When dealing with language in the classroom, it is useful to be able to identify thinking, feeling and perceiving verbs. These verbs are common in certain text types such as stories, where they are used to build up our understanding of each character.
If you would like some practice identifying thinking, feeling and perceiving verbs, click here: |
 |
For more information, see:
 |
Grammar: Clause: Using the clause to represent experience: The processes: 'What's happening?': 'Thinking and feeling' |
| |
Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Time & tense: Present simple |
For PrimeTeach teaching activities which provide KS2 students with practice
in expressing needs, opinions and thoughts, see:
Did you enjoy the film?
Save the trees
Three festivals
Witches and vampires
|
A list of thinking verbs |
 |
 |
 |
|
||
To give us feedback about this section, click here or on the Comment button at the top of the screen.
If you have any questions about this section, visit the Language Corner.
If you have any questions or suggestions about how to teach this section, send a message to the Teaching Corner.
