2015-09-07
1303
Stative verbs are the verbs which describe a state rather than an action, they do not have a continuous tense. These verbs are:
· verbs of the senses (see, hear, taste, feel, look, sound etc). I can hear the train approaching.
· verbs of perception / opinion (agree, know, believe, understand, realise, remember, suppose, forget etc). I understand what you are saying.
· verbs which express likes and dislikes / verbs of feelings and emotions (like, dislike, love, adore, hate, enjoy, forgive, prefer, detest, etc). The children enjoy reading.
· and some other verbs (be, contain, include, belong, fit, need, matter, mean, cost, concern, depend, own, want, weigh, wish, have (possess), keep etc). That car belongs to Joe.
Some of these verbs are used in continuous tenses when they describe actions rather than states.
| Present Simple | Present Continuous |
| She isvery patient (- character.) I think it’s a wonderful film (- I believe). They have (got) a swimming pool (- they possess). Your mother looks very tired (- she appears to be). I can see your house from here (- I use my eyes). 1 see what you mean. (understand). | He is being very good. (-behaviour.) I'm thinking of buying a new house (- I'm considering.) They’re having a wonderful holiday. (- they are enjoying themselves.) The architect is looking at the plans. (- he is checking/ examining.) Are youseeing the dentist tomorrow? (- are you meeting?) You’re seeing things. There is no one there (- you are imagining) |
| This blouse feels like silk (- it has the texture of). This chicken tastes delicious (- it has a delicious flavour). These flowers smell nice (- have a nice smell). She appears to be very angry. (- she seems to be). These shoes fit me perfectly (- they are the right size). | Mum is feeling Tim’s forehead (- she is touching). The chef is tasting the soup to see if it is alright (- he is testing the flavour). She’s smelling the roses (- she is sniffing). We are appearing at Central Park next weekend (- we are performing). Peter is fitting new locks on all the doors (- he is attaching). |
Note:
1. The verb enjoy can be used in continuous tenses to express a specific preference. I'm enjoying this film a lot ( specific preference ).
BUT: I enjoy going sailing, ( general preference )
- The verbs look (when we refer to smb’s appearance), feel (experience a particular emotion), hurt and ache can be used in the continuous or the simple tenses with no difference in meaning. You look wonderful today, or You are looking wonderful today. She feels sick, or She is feeling sick.
