Stative Verbs

Verbs describing a permanent state (stative verbs) do not normally have continuous forms. These are:

Verbs of the senses: see, hear, smell, feel, taste etc.(We often use can or could with these verbs. e.g. Can you see that tall boy over there?). The verbs look, watch and listen express deliberate actions and can be used in continuous forms.e.g. Be quiet please! I`m listening to the news. But: I can`t hear you. Can you speak louder, please? The verbs feel and hurt can be used in either continuous or simple forms, though.

e.g. A: How are you feeling today? How do you feel today?

B: My leg is hurting. or My leg hurts.

Verbs of opinion: agree, believe, consider etc.

Verbs of emotions: feel, forgive, hate, like, love etc.

4) Other verbs: appear (=seem), be, belong, fit (=be the right shape and size for sth) have (=possess), know, look (=appear), need, prefer, require, want, weigh, wish etc.

e.g. He knows where Peter is. (not is knowing)

Some stative verbs (see, smell, taste, feel, think, have etc) have continuous forms but there is a difference in meaning.

STATE

I think she’s rich. (= I believe)

The milk tastes awful. (= it has a bad flavour)

He has a pet dog. (= he owns)

This cloth feels like velvet. (= has the texture)

I see you’re in trouble. (= I understand)

The kitchen smells of burnt meat. (= has the smell)

He comes from Spain. (= he was born in)

I love holidays. (in general)

Your hair looks great. (= it appears)

The baby weighs 5 kilos. (= it is)

Ann is very tall.

ACTION

I’ m thinking about your plan. (=I’m considering)

He’ s tasting the sauce. It might need some salt. (=he’s trying its flavour)

He is having dinner now. (= he’s eating)

She’ s feeling her way in the dark.

(= she’s finding her way)

I’ m seeing my lawyer tonight. (= I’m visiting)

Why are you smelling your food? (= trying the smell of)

He’ s coming from Spain. (= he’s travelling from)

I `m loving this holiday. (= I`m enjoying; specific)

She is looking at some photographs. (=she’s examining)

I’ m weighing myself on my new scales. (= I’m finding out my weight)

Ann is being very kind to me these days. (= she’s behaving)