Stative verbs

We use continuous forms for actions and happenings that have started but not finished. Some verbs are normally not used in this way. They are called:

• Dynamic

• Static

• Stative

• Action

Stative verbs often relate to emotions, feelings, perception, and abstract things.

• True

• False

Check the items which contain only stative verbs.

• like, want, need, prefer

• know, realise, understand, recognise

• believe, suppose, remember, mean

• belong, fit, contain, consist, seem

• see, hear, smell, taste, look, feel

We can use the verb "to be" in the continuous form to say how somebody is behaving now.

• True

• False

^{"We can use the verb "to be" in the continuous form to say how somebody is behaving now."}

Check the corresponding example, if the sentence is true or false.

• He is being selfish lately; that's not like him!

• He is selfish lately; that's not like him!

Which is correct?

• I don't like to take risks. I'm a very careful person.

• I don't like to take risks. I'm being a very careful person.

Which is correct?

• "The path is icy. Don't slip." / "Don't worry. I'm being very careful."

• "The path is icy. Don't slip." / "Don't worry. I'm very careful."

We use am/is/are to say how a person is behaving now, that is, the person is doing something he/she can control. It is not usually possible in other situations.

Which would be examples of

• Are you tired?

• Are you being tired?

• Stewart is ill.

• Stewart is being ill.

Which is correct?

• Do you see that man over there?

• Are you seeing that man over there?

Which is correct?

• You look well today.

• You're looking well today.

• How do you feel now?

• How are you feeling now?

• I'm usually feeling tired in the morning.