Stative verb

STATIVE VERBS

Verbs that can be stative and action verbs

Definition

Stative verbs

STATIVE / ACTION VERBS

How to use them

examples

DEFINITION

Stative verbs (or state verbs) have the following characteristics: -They express a state -They refer to thoughts, senses, emotions, feelings, and possessions -They are not usually used in the continuous (progressive) tenses (i.e. with -ing)So as opposed to action verbs, they reflect a mental process rather than a dynamic activity.

STATIVE / ACTION VERBS

STATIVE

ACTION

• Also called dynamic verbs, express an action whether it be physical or mental.
• These actions are easy to perceive at first sight

• Express a mental action.
• These actions are hard to perceive at first sight.
• Most of them are synonyms of "to think"

Verbs that can be stative and action verbs

• you are stupid = it's part of your personality
• you are being stupid = only now, not usually

BE

Some verbs can express both an action and a state. However, they are usually being used to convey a different type of meaning in each case.

• think (stative) = have an opinion
• think (dynamic) = consider, have in my head

THINK

• have (stative) = own - I have a car
• have (dynamic) = part of an expression - I'm having a party / a picnic / a bath / a good time / a break

HAVE

• see (stative) = see with your eyes / understand - I see what you mean
• see (dynamic) = meet / have a relationship with - I've been seeing my boyfriend for three years

SEE

• taste (stative) = has a certain taste - This soup tastes great
• taste (dynamic) = the action of tasting - The chef is tasting the soup

TASTE

HOW TO USE STATIVE VERBS?

The use of these verbs are not different from the other. But remember these state verbs cannot be used in the continuous tenses.

STATIVE VERB

Here are some common examples of stative verbs placed into four common categories

EXAMPLES

Thoughts -I think they will win the election -I doubt she will go tonight -She knows what the answer is -They suspect he committed the crime

Emotions -John loves the food -She adores her children -I appreciate the way you talk to me -I need her in my life

Senses -Yes, I see the ship over there -He smells very bad -If I feel the water with my hand, it is hot -He seems very happy

Possession -That bag belongs to me -He has several houses -The ticket price includes a free drink -The smoothie consists of yoghurt, fresh banana, and lemon