Stative vs Dynamic Verbs

Dynamic verbs (action) vs. Stative verbs (states)

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Stative verbs describe STATES (permanent)

• I have three daughters.

• I don't own a car.

• She is very nice.

Dynamic verbs (action) vs. Stative verbs (states)

Dynamic - action "you can see the action" beginning and end.

Stative - state is considered permanent.

Dynamic verbs can be used in simple present AND in present continuous.

Stative verbs are never continuous (because they are not temporary). 

THINK

• What is he thinking about? (dynamic)

  
  

• What does he think (believe)? (his opinion)

LOOK

• What is she looking at? (dynamic) action

• How does she look? (stative) appearance (description)

Multiple Choice

Is this dynamic or stative? : I own a bicycle.

• dynamic

• stative

Multiple Choice

Is this dynamic or stative? She has three brothers.

• dynamic

• stative

Multiple Choice

Is this dynamic or stative? Can you help me? I am looking for a place to stay.

• dynamic

• stative

Multiple Choice

Is this dynamic or stative? She thinks that I am crazy.

• dynamic

• stative

Multiple Choice

Is this dynamic or stative? They are thinking about moving to California.

• dynamic

• stative

Multiple Choice

Is this dynamic or stative? She knows how to speak four languages

• dynamic

• stative

Multiple Choice

What ________ at? - I am looking at this funny black dog.

• do you look

• are you looking

Multiple Choice

How ________ ? -I think you are gorgeous

• do I look

• am I looking

Multiple Choice

1. I'm hungry! I ... to buy some food in the cafearia.

• want

• am wanting

Multiple Choice

2. ... they ... the story about the space aliens?

• Do, believe

• Are, believing

Multiple Choice

3. 'Do you like the food?' 'Yes, it ... delicious!'

• tastes

• is tasting

Multiple Choice

4. My sister lives in New York. She ... the city a lot.

• likes

• is liking

Multiple Choice

5. It's a beautiful day today! It's sunny and the birds ...

• sing

• are singing

Multiple Choice

6. 'What is Tom doing?' 'He ... the food you cooked earlier.'

• tastes

• is tasting

Multiple Choice

7. Kevin is tired after the flight. He ... on the sofa.

• sleeps

• is sleeping

Multiple Choice

8. The principal can't meet you right now. She ... lunch.

• is having

• has

Multiple Choice

9. John ... a large family, four sisters and three brothers.

• has

• is having

Multiple Choice

10. Thank you for the flowers. I ... them right now.

• smell

• am smelling

Multiple Choice

11. I like the flowers you bought me yesterday. They ... good.

• smell

• are smelling

Multiple Choice

12. What ... you ... about the new restaurant?

• are, thinking

• do, think

Multiple Choice

13. You look serious. What ... you ... ?

• do, think

• are, thinking

Multiple Choice

14. You ... great! The new haircut really suits you.

• look

• are looking

Multiple Choice

15. Most cats don't like to swim. In fact, they ... water.

• are hating

• hate