Looks like we have a LOT of 'intransients' here.

Isn't a verb generally something you use to indicate the 'action' in a sentence - like 'climb' or 'jump.'

Adding -ing to the verb usually creates the 'instransient version of the verb. It would be used like "I was climbing the lighthouse."

So the verb in that sentence is 'was' isn't it?

Must be some members of P.O.E.M. here who can point us in the right direction... (Or is it pointing?)

P.O.E.M. - From Garrison Keeler "Professional Organization of English Majors"