Some verbs are NOT frequently used in the continuous form, even when we are talking about temporary situations or states. They are called stative verbs. Stative verbs help us describe states, conditions and situations.
For example, we cannot say:
- “I’m sorry, I am not understanding what you say”
Dynamic Verbs on the contrary, can be used in continuous forms:
- “ He is cooking something new”
There are different categories:
- Verbs connected with thinking and emotions
Agree, think, believe, disagree, feel, doubt, depend, understand, know, mean, remember, seem, look (=seem), mind, suppose, guess, appear, matter, concern, realise… Like, dislike, prefer, love, hate…. Need, want, wish, deserve….
- Verbs connected with possessing something
Have, possess, belong, own, owe, lack, include, involve.
- Verbs connected with perception and sensations
Sound, hear, taste, see, smell, imagine, recognise, satisfy.
- Being / Quality verbs
Weigh, measure, consist, contain.
Although these verbs are generally STATIVE VERBS, in some cases, they can be used in continuous forms, but their meaning changes.
BE
- She is friendly —> A characteristic of this person.
- She is being friendly —> This use implies that she is not frequently friendly, she is being friendly on this particular occasion.
HAVE
- I have a house on the coast —> This indicates possession.
- Are you having a good time? —> “Are you enjoying yourself?”
THINK
- I think your answer is wrong —> This is a simple opinion.
- I’m thinking about buying a new car —> You’re considering the idea before making a decision.
SEE
This verb may have different meanings. As a Stative verb it may mean SEE or UNDERSTAND:
- I see what you mean—> I understand what you mean.
- I see you now, you are in front of the library —> I see you now, I know where you are.
As a dynamic verb it means MEET or HAVE A RELATIONSHIP with someone.
- I´m seeing my friends this afternoon —> I am meeting them this afternoon.
- I´ve been seeing my girlfriend since last August —> We have been going out together since last August.
TASTE
- The food tastes good —> To have a good flavour. (We give our opinion)
- The cook is tasting the food —> The cook is sampling the food. (This is a dynamic action)
MIND
- I don’t mind if we go to the cinema tonight —> I don’t object to our going to the cinema.
- Mind your manners at the table —> behave correctly, pay attention to…
|
VERB |
CORRECT | NOT CORRECT |
| AGREE | She doesn’t agree with us | She |
| APPEAR | It appears to be raining | It |
| BELIEVE | I don’t believe his story |
I |
| BELONG | This book belonged to my grandmother | This book |
| CONCERN | This problem concerns you | This problem |
| CONSIST | Bread consists of flour, water and yeast | Bread |
| CONTAIN | This box contains two bottles | This box |
| DEPEND | It depends on the weather | It’ |
| DESERVE | He deserves to pass the exam | He |
| DISAGREE | I disagree with her | I |
| DISLIKE | He has disliked mushrooms for years | He |
| DOUBT | I doubt what you are saying | I |
| FEEL (=HAVE AN OPINION) | I don’t feel that this is a good idea | I |
| FIT | This shirt fits you really well | This shirt |
| HATE | She has always hated dogs | She |
| HEAR | Do you hear the whistle? | |
| IMAGINE | I imagine you must be tired | I |
| IMPRESS | He impressed me with his story | He |
| INCLUDE | This cookbook includes several good recipes | This cookbook |
| INVOLVE | The job involves travelling a lot | The job |
| KNOW | I’ve known you for ten years | I’ |
| LIKE | I like reading mystery books | I |
| LOVE | I love pasta | I’ |
| MATTER | It doesn’t matter | It |
| MEAN | ‘Huge’ means ‘very big’ | ‘Huge’ |
| MEASURE (=BE LONG) | This window measures 150cm | This window |
| MIND | She doesn’t mind the noise | She |
| NEED | At five yesterday I needed a taxi | At five yesterday I |
| OWE | I owe you some money | I |
| OWN | She owns two houses | She |
| PREFER | I prefer this book | I |
| PROMISE | I promise to come on time | I |
| REALISE | You didn’t realise the problem | You |
| RECOGNISE | I didn’t recognise her | I |
| REMEMBER | He didn’t remember this place | He |
| SEEM | The weather seems to be improving | The weather |
| SOUND | Your idea sounds great | Your idea |
| SUPPOSE | I suppose she will be late | I’ |
| SURPRISE | His initiative surprised me | His initiative |
| UNDERSTAND | I don’t understand this question | I’ |
| WANT | I want to go to the cinema tonight | I |
| WEIGH (=HAVE WEIGHT) | This cake weighs 450g | This cake |
| WISH | I wish I had gone to the theatre | I |
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