Stative Verbs

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Stative Verbs - by Viv Quarry


There are a group of verbs in English, which usually refer to a STATE (a situation which isn't in a process of change). These verbs areeither unusual in the continuous form, or when used in the continuous the meaning of the verb is different.

1. Verbs of the MIND and THINKING.
agree, assume*, believe, consider*, doubt, expect**,forget, know, realise, remember, suppose*, think**, understanD
2. Verbs of EMOTION.
care, detest, dislike, enjoy*, envy, hate, hope*, like, love, prefer, want, wish,
3. Verbs of POSSESSION and STATE.appear*, belong, consist, contain, cost*, depend, have**, mean, need, own, seem, weigh*
4. Verbs of the SENSES.
feel**, hear**, see**, smell**, taste**
* These verbs can sometimes be used in thecontinuous, but they refer to the ACTION in progress at that moment. Eg. We are assuming he will come to the meeting. (Means that at this moment we think he will come to the meeting, but it is probablynot correct).
**THINK
When 'think' is used for your opinion it is a stative verb.
Eg. I don't think it's going to rain.
When 'think' refers to the mental process it is a normal verb.
Eg. You arevery serious! What are you thinking about?
Think can also be used to talk about future plans.
Eg. We're thinking of going to Brazil for our holidays, this year.
**EXPECT
When 'expect' is used tomean 'suppose', it is a stative verb.
Eg. I expect you'd like something to drink.
'Expect can also be used to mean 'to be pregnant'.
Eg. Have you heard that Susan's expecting a baby?
**HAVE
When'have' is used to mean 'to possess sth.' it is a stative verb.
Eg. He has (got) three children.
Have + noun can also be used for an activity in progress.
Eg. We're having a lovely time in Greece,the weather's lovely.

**SEE & HEAR
'See' and 'hear' are stative verbs when used to refer to what your eyes or ears register.
Eg. I can't see what is happening because there's someone standing in...