Stative Verbs in English

Stative Verbs in English. Stative verbs (or State verbs) refer to verbs that describe a state, not an action. These are verbs that we rarely use in the Present Continuous form since they do not show actions. Having said that, this is changing, as languages often do. Below you can learn about how to use Stative Verbs and how to use some verbs as Stative and Dynamic (verbs that show action).

STATIVE VERBS

Remember that a Stative verb means that there is not an action happening. It is only a ‘state’.

Examples

In the context of the examples to the right, we would not be able to use the Present Continuous because the verbs represent a state, not an action.

List of Stative verbs

There are 4 general categories of Stative Verbs but remember that some of these verbs can be used in both Stative and Dynamic form. What makes them stative is that they are explaining a state, not an action.

EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS	PERSEPTIONS AND SENSES	OPINION	POSSESION AND SIZE
like, dislike love need prefer want wish	appear feel hear look see seem sound smell taste	agree disagree believe know imagine think understand	be belong have own posses measure weigh

VERBS THAT ARE STATIVE AND DYNAMIC

So, now we know that Stative verbs only show a ‘state’, so Dynamic verbs show ‘action’. Some examples of Dynamic verbs are: run, dance, shower, play, etc. We can see the action occuring. Some verbs can be used both as a state and as an action. Here are some examples.

Examples

Think as a stative mental state
- I think she is right.
- He thinks the meeting is on Monday. I think it’s on Tuesday.
Think as an action in progress with Present Continuous
- Please turn down the music. I’m thinking.
- He’s thinking of having the meeting on Monday.

to be as a state of someone’s personality
- Jim is such a nice guy
- She’s always fair.
to be as a temporary action that is happening right now
- He‘s not being very friendly at all today.
- I don’t think she’s being very fair to you.

to have as a state of posession
- We have a house in Malaga
- She has a lot of friends.
to have as an activity that is taking place now or soon.
- I’m having a party this weekend.
- She’s having some friends over tonight to watch a movie.

OTHER VERBS THAT CAN BE BOTH STATIVE AND DYNAMIC

Remember that when you want to use a verb in a Stative form it is a ‘state’
- The dinner tastes great!
But when it is in a dynamic state, there is action.
- We are tasting each wine.

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