STATE VERBS IN CONTINUOUS FORMS

In Session 31 (State verbs) we looked at the state verbs in the simple forms.

If you remember most of the time we use state verbs in a simple form,

but sometimes it can be used in a continuous form.

We said that when we use a state verb in a continuous form, many times the meaning changes.

Let’s see more in detail what changes we are talking about.

‘TO BE’

‘to be’ is usually a state verb; when it’s used in a continuous form it means ‘behaving’ or ‘acting’.

You are stupid It’s part of your personality

You are being stupid Only now because of how you are behaving, you are doing

‘TO HAVE’

‘to have’ (state) = own, something that is yours I have a car

‘to have’ (dynamic)= part of a regular expression I am having a shower / dinner

‘TO SEE’

‘to see’ (state) = with your eyes I see her now, she’s right there.

‘to see’ (dynamic) = have a relationship with I have been seeing Rob for three years.

‘to see’ (dynamic) = meet I am meeting my boss tomorrow at 8am.

‘TO THINK’

‘to think’ (state) = have an opinion I think that coffee is great.

‘to think’ (dynamic)= consider, have in my head What are you thinking about?

SENSES: ‘TO TASTE’, ‘TO HEAR’, ‘TO SMELL’, ‘TO FEEL’

‘to taste’ (state) = to a certain taste This soup tastes great.

‘to taste’ (dynamic)= the action of tasting The chef is tasting the soup.

NOW GO TO THE NEXT PAGE AND COMPLETE THE PRACTICE EXERCISE

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 PRACTICE EXERCISE: STATE VERBS – SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?

Choose between the options ‘a’ or ‘b’.

Sometimes more than one option is correct.

1. a) Why are you smelling the soup? 6. a) What are you looking at?
b) Why do you smell the soup? b) What do you look at?

2. a) She was feeling his arm on her hip. 7. a) I am not hearing you.
b) She felt his arm on her hip. b) I can't hear you.

3. a) Are you having an English lesson? 8. a) What are you thinking of me?
b) Do you have an English lesson? b) What do you think of me?

4. a) What are you thinking about? 9. a) I am feeling we should go home now.

b) What do you think about? b) I feel we should go home now.

5. a) I am feeling much better today. 10. a) This bread is tasting funny.

b) I feel much better today. b) This bread tastes funny.

YOU CAN PRINT THIS PAGE TO DO THE EXERCISE. THE ANSWERS WILL BE GIVEN TOMORROW.

ESTE DOCUMENTO ES PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL DE MAXUS SERVICIOS LINGÜISTICOS S.L. CIF B-95719118.
QUEDA PROHIBIDA LA COMERCIALIZACION O USO CON FINES COMERCIALES POR PERSONAS Y COMPAÑIAS AJENAS A MAXUS SERVICIOS
LINGÜISTICOS U AQUELLAS QUE NO HAYAN PEDIDO AUTORIZACION EXPRESA PARA SU USO COMERCIAL.