Stative Verbs

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.	I am believing I got first prize.
They know how to ski.	They are knowing how to ski.
He hates television.	He is hating television.
She owns a BMW.	She is owning a BMW.
It tastes sour.	It be tasting 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