Stative verbs

Some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form, even when we are talking
about temporary situations or states. These are called stative verbs.
So, we say Im sorry, I dont understand rather than Im not understanding.

1. Stative verbs are often verbs connected with thinking and opinions.

TRANSLATE
She doesnt know what to do NOT She isnt knowing what to do
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Do you agree with me?
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I dont recognise it, do you?
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Other verbs in this group include: believe, doubt, guess, imagine, mean, remember,
think

2. Other stative verbs are connected with feelings and emotions

TRANSLATE
I like this song. Who sings it? NOT Im liking this song
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What do you want to do now?
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I hate my new boss!
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Other stative verbs in this group include: dislike, love, prefer. want, wish

NB although enjoy is a verb of emotion, it is used in the continuous tense

TRANSLATE
Im enjoying the party.
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3. see, hear, taste, smell, feel are verbs that describe senses.

These verbs arent usually used in continuous forms. They are often used with can.

TRANSLATE
It smells of smoke in here. NOT Its smelling of smoke in here
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I cant see anything. Its too dark.
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4. Stative verbs describe things that are not actions.

Look carefully at these 2 sentences.

TRANSLATE
He smells of fish.
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Hes smelling the fish.
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The second sentence is an action not a state. The man wants to know if the fish is OK
to eat.

I think we should go to Croatia for our holiday this year.

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Sorry, what did you say? I was thinking about my holiday.
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The first sentence is an opinion but the second sentence is an action.

LIST OF STATIVE VERBS

like

own

know belong
love realise
fit
hate
suppose
contain
want
mean consist
need
understand seem
prefer
believe
depend
agree remember matter
mind recognise
see
appear
look (=seem)

sound

taste smell
hear
impress
satisfy promise
(=have an opinion)

astonish
surprise

wish imagine
lack

be

concern

measure (=have length etc)

TRANSLATE THEM IN FRENCH

dislike

possess

deny
disagree please
doubt think (=have an opinion) feel

have
owe

deserve

involve

weigh (=have weight)

include