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A stative verb is one that describes a state of being. They do not describe an action and cannot be used in continuous tenses.
believe | love | recognise | understand |
appear | look | smell | taste |
agree | belong | need | own |
Stative verbs describe a state of being whereas dynamic verbs describe an action.
Examples:
Correct | Incorrect |
I don’t know the answer | I’m not knowing the answer |
She really likes you | She’s really liking you |
He seems happy at the moment | He’s seeming happy at the moment |
A number of verbs can refer to states or actions, depending on the context.
I think it’s a good idea. – In this example the speaker expresses an opinion.
Wait a moment! I’m thinking. – The speaker is actively processing thoughts about something.
I have an old car. (state – possession)
I’m having a quick break. (action – having a break is an activity)
Do you see any problems with that? (state – opinion)
We’re seeing Peter tomorrow afternoon. (action – we’re meeting him)
He is so interesting! (state – his permanent quality)
He’s being very unhelpful. (action – he is temporarily behaving this way)
This coffee tastes delicious. (state – our perception of the coffee)
Look! The chef is tasting the soup. (action – tasting the soup is an activity)
Included in this list, are the verbs: Agree, appear, doubt, feel, guess, hear, imagine, look, measure, remember, smell, weigh, wish.