STATE OR STATIVE VERBS

Some English verbs, which we call state, non-continuous or stative verbs, aren’t used in continuous tenses (like the present continuous (ejercicios del 27 al 36), or the future continuous). These verbs often describe states that last for some time. Here is a list of some common ones:

 

 

A verb which isn’t stative is called a dynamic verb, and is usually an action.

Some verbs can be both stative and dynamic:

Be

be is usually a stative verb, but when it is used in the continuous it means ‘behaving’ or ‘acting’ you are stupid = it’s part of your personality you are being stupid = only now, not usually

Think

think (stative) = have an opinion I think that coffee is great think (dynamic) = consider, have in my head what are you thinking about? I’m thinking about my next holiday

Have

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

See

see (stative) = see with your eyes / understand I see what you mean I see her now, she’s just coming along the road see (dynamic) = meet / have a relationship with I’ve been seeing my boyfriend for three years I’m seeing Robert tomorrow

Taste

taste (stative) = has a certain taste This soup tastes great The coffee tastes really bitter taste (dynamic) = the action of tasting The chef is tasting the soup(‘taste’ is the same as other similar verbs such as ‘smell’)