4.2. Stative and dynamic verbs
How to use stative and dynamic verbs
Some English verbs, which we call state, non-continuous or stative verbs, aren't used in continuous tenses (like the present continuous, or the future continuous). These verbs often describe states that last for some time. Here is a list of some common ones:
STATIVE (OR STATE) VERB LIST | ||
like | know | belong |
love | realise | fit |
hate | suppose | contain |
want | mean | consist |
need | understand | seem |
prefer | believe | depend |
agree | remember | matter |
mind | recognise | see |
own | appear | look (=seem) |
sound | taste | smell |
hear | astonish | deny |
disagree | please | impress |
satisfy | promise | surprise |
doubt | think (=have an opinion) | feel (=have an opinion) |
wish | imagine | concern |
dislike | be | have |
deserve | involve | include |
lack | measure (=have length etc) | possess |
owe | weigh (=have weight) |
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 |
|
Think |
|
Have |
|
See |
|
Taste |
|
Source: http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/stative-verbs.html
Now watch the following stative verbs tutorial:
For a complete list of stative verbs with lots of examples, click here
Choose the correct option for each statement.
1. "Believe" is a dynamic verb.
2. "Read" is a dynamic verb.
3. "Smell" (for example: "This fish smells funny") is a stative verb.
4. "Paint" is a dynamic verb.
5. "Change" is a stative verb.
6. "Jump" is a stative verb.
7. "Remember" is a stative verb.
8. "Seem" is a dynamic verb.
9. "Want" is a stative verb.
10. "Understand" is a stative verb.