Stative / state / non-action verbs

So many names, but the meaning is the same! Stative verbs usually cannot be used with –ing form (continuous, progressive). Why do they occur and what do we know about them?

• They are usually connected with feelings, emotions, senses, thinking, opinions, belonging.
• So these verbs are not actions! Yes, that is why they can also be called non-action.
• There is no physical demonstration for stative verbs.

The most famous stative verb is…. “to be”! Let us remember (or maybe learn) more of them using this table:

Can you think of any other? Add them to the table!

Say “I love eating fast food”, not “I’m loving it”.

Say “These shoes belong to Greg”, not “They’re belonging to Greg”

Say “This music sounds fantastic! ”, not “This music is sounding fantastic! ”

Why not think of more examples?

Interesting! When you’re speaking about senses you may want to add “can” to your sentences to show that the action is in progress:

“I can’t smell anything! ” or “I can see that you’re tired” or “I can feel your pain”

What are the rules if they don’t have exceptions?

Compare these two sentences:

“She smells of flowers” and “She’s smelling flowers”