State and Action verbs

State and Action verbs

Review

Difference

Verbs that describe actions or events are known as “action” or “dynamic” verbs, whereas those that describe states are known as “state” or “stative” verbs.

Action vs State Verbs

Think about state verbs as your Instagram stories

• They are not permanent

• They are about a state or a moment

• They express a situation or a condition

State Verbs

• Describe a state instead of an action.

• MOST can't be used with present continuous.

• State verbs often express thoughts, feelings, emotions.

Action Verbs

• Describe actions that happen (movement)

• They can be used with present continuous.

• The action can be seen or physically felt.

Multiple Choice

What do you think?

"Dominic wants to buy a new car"

Is "want" an action or a state verb?

• Action Verb

• State Verb

"Dominic wants to buy a new car"

In this sentence, the verb "WANT" refers to a state, there's NO action involved.

Remember! Most state verbs CAN'T be used in continuous forms.

Multiple Choice

What do you think? The verb "GO" is...

• A state verb

• An action verb

Multiple Choice

What do you think? The verb "LOVE" is...

• A state verb

• An action verb

Exceptions

There are some verbs that can be STATE VERBS or ACTION VERBS

For example: THINK

"I think it is a good idea" (opinion)

"I'm thinking, so wait a moment"

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

I __________ three sisters.

• am having

• have

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

She __________ how to speak five languages.

• knows

• is knowing

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

I __________ television right now.

• watch

• am watching

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

They __________ hockey.

• are loving

• love

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

He ___________a party tomorrow night.

• is having

• has

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

I __________ three sisters.

• am having

• have