A stative verb expresses a state rather
than an action. They often describe states that last for some time. The simple tense is used for stative
verbs. These verbs are usually related
to emotions, senses, relationships, thoughts, measurements and states of being.
They are not usually used with –ing when in the progressive continuous. These are not used in continuous tenses (like
the present or future continuous).
Examples:
CORRECT
|
INCORRECT
|
I believe I got first prize.
|
|
They know how to ski.
|
|
He hates television.
|
|
She owns a BMW.
|
|
It tastes sour.
|
Some verbs
can be used as both stative and dynamic:
STATIVE
|
DYNAMIC
|
Have
|
|
| have (stative) = own I have a phone. |
have (dynamic) = part of an
expression I'm having a good time / a coffee / a party / a bath. |
Be
|
|
be is usually a stative verb, but when it is used
in the continuous it means 'behaving' or 'acting'
you are silly = it's part of your personality |
you are
being silly = only now, not usually
|
See
|
|
| see (stative) = see with your eyes / understand I see what you mean. I see him now, he's having lunch. |
see (dynamic) = meet / have a
relationship with I've been seeing my a doctor for awhile now. I'm seeing my classmates tomorrow. |
Taste
|
|
| taste (stative) = has a certain taste The cake tastes great. This lemon tastes sour. |
taste (dynamic) = the action of
tasting The chef is tasting the lobster. |
Think
|
|
| think (stative) = have an opinion I think that Ronaldo is great. |
think (dynamic) = consider, have
in my head What are you thinking about? I'm thinking about my exam. |
Stative Verb List
