![]() |
![]() |
I have a beer | Yes, but I’m having mine |
Most verbs are Dynamic as they refer to an action, but some verbs refer to a State or Condition, these are the stative verbs.
Because they refer to a state (e.g. I like English), they can’t be used in the Continuous sense ( e.g. I’m enjoying this blog now but may not be at the end of it), and when they are used in the continuous sense the verb’s meaning changes.
Think of them as being binary conditions like 1 or 0, right or wrong, agree or disagree.
The verbs are often defined by their context. The same verb when used in a different context may become Dynamic – but its meaning has changed.
Stative verbs often relate to; thoughts and opinions, possession and measurement, senses and perceptions, feelings and emotions
State |
Verb |
Example |
You can’t say !!!! |
thoughts and opinions |
agree |
I agree with you |
I am agreeing with you |
|
know |
I know you well |
I am knowing you well |
|
understand |
I understand English |
I am understanding English |
possession and measurement |
own |
He owns a Ferrari |
He is owning a Ferrari |
|
have |
They have two dalmatians |
They are having two dalmatians |
|
weigh |
The tuna weighs twenty kilograms |
The tuna is weighing twenty kilograms |
senses and perceptions |
feel |
I feel like I’m sixteen again |
I am feeling like I’m sixteen again |
|
smell |
The fish smells awful |
The fish is smelling awful |
|
taste |
It tastes good |
It is tasting good |
feelings and emotions |
like |
We like Sushi |
We are liking Sushi |
|
love |
I love it when it rains |
I am loving it when it rains |
|
prefer |
I prefer beer to wine |
I am preferring beer to wine |
However the context often determines whether the verb is stative or dynamic. Often when a normally stative verb is used in the continuous form, then it has taken on a new meaning
Stative context |
Meaning |
Dynamic context |
Meaning |
I have a beer |
I own a beer |
I am having a beer |
I am drinking a beer |
I think it's a good idea. |
I have decided it’s a good idea |
I haven’t decided, I’m still thinking |
I’m still deciding. |
We don’t see any problems. |
We have concluded there are no problems |
We are seeing more and more problems |
We are aware of continuous problems |
The boxer weighs 80kg |
His weight is 80kgs |
The boxer is weighing in at 80kg |
He may be on the scale weighing himself |
Is the verb being used in Stative or Dynamic way?
1 |
I recognise now that I was wrong |
2 |
I doubt that they will ever find out |
3 |
It is surprising that he passed all his exams |
4 |
You are being stupid |
5 |
I'm having a party |
6 |
I see what you mean |
7 |
We're seeing Tom tomorrow afternoon |
Spot the sentences where stative verbs have been used incorrectly in a continuous tense
1 |
I’m having a really good time |
2 |
I’m smelling really terrible |
3 |
He is thinking it’s a good idea |
4 |
The chef is tasting my meal |
5 |
I’m guessing no one came to the party? |
6 |
I am imagining that it must be very difficult for you |
7 |
Suddenly it was there, appearing out of no where |
Answers
1 |
I recognise now that I was wrong |
Stative |
2 |
I doubt that they will ever find out |
Stative |
3 |
It is surprising that he passed all his exams |
Dynamic |
4 |
You are being stupid |
Dynamic |
5 |
I'm having a party |
Dynamic |
6 |
I see what you mean |
Stative |
7 |
We're seeing Tom tomorrow afternoon |
Dynamic |
1 |
I’m having a really good time |
T |
2 |
I’m smelling really terrible |
F |
3 |
He is thinking it’s a good idea |
F |
4 |
The chef is tasting my meal |
T |
5 |
I’m guessing no one came to the party? |
T |
6 |
I am imagining that it must be very difficult for you |
F |
7 |
Suddenly it was there, appearing out of no where |
T |
Phrasal verbs with get
Present perfect tense
Try a free class
..