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An
example of a simple tense is the present simple, or the past simple. An example of a continuous
tense is the present continuous or past continuous. These verbs are called stative, or state verbs. A
verb which isnt stative is called a dynamic verb, and is usually an action. Often stative verbs are
about liking or disliking something, or about a mental state, not about an action.
Opinion Verbs
One type of stative verb is verbs that show your opinion on something, as you saw with 'think.' You would use these verbs to
describe how you feel about something, or how you perceive it. Some examples include think, know, believe, recognize, and
prefer. For example, take a look at the sentences below.
'I know my sister is there for me.'
'I believe pigs can fly if they try hard enough.'
These sentences describe unchanging states of being, not specific actions.
Possession Verbs
Verbs that describe possession are also stative verbs, as they show a current or past state of being rather than an action. Some
possession verbs include have, belong, include, and own. The sentences below help illustrate this.
'I own three bicycles.'
'Our trip included a visit to the zoo.'
One thing to note is that 'have' is only a stative verb when it describes possession, such as in 'I 'have' two dogs.' If you were to
say 'He's having breakfast,' then 'have' is actually describing an action (eating), and would fall under the dynamic verb category.
Sensory Verbs
Another situation where you need stative verbs is when describing sensory experiences. Verbs such as hear, feel, smell, seem,
and see all fall into this category. Sensory experiences are not a stop-and-start action, but a state of being. Therefore they
require stative verbs, such as in the following sentences.
'I feel really sick.'
'He seemed very upset yesterday.
Verbs of Emotion
Emotion verbs, such as love, hate, need, want, and like, are also stative verbs.
ExampleI love carrot cake.