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STATE Vs Dynamic Verbs

The document discusses the difference between state/stative verbs and dynamic verbs. State verbs describe a state of being and cannot be used in continuous tenses, while dynamic verbs describe actions and can be used in continuous tenses. Some state verbs can take on a dynamic meaning when used with certain prepositions or particles. Examples are provided of state verbs like "think", "feel", "have", and "look" being used as either state or dynamic verbs depending on the context and meaning.

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181 views5 pages

STATE Vs Dynamic Verbs

The document discusses the difference between state/stative verbs and dynamic verbs. State verbs describe a state of being and cannot be used in continuous tenses, while dynamic verbs describe actions and can be used in continuous tenses. Some state verbs can take on a dynamic meaning when used with certain prepositions or particles. Examples are provided of state verbs like "think", "feel", "have", and "look" being used as either state or dynamic verbs depending on the context and meaning.

Uploaded by

ornela
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STATE & DYNAMIC VERBS

 Dynamic / Action verbs: they describe actions and can be used in simple or
continuous tenses.

 State / Stative / Non-action verbs: we do NOT use them in continuous


tenses.

Some state verbs can be dynamic, but meaning changes

Meaning as state verb Meaning as dynamic verb


THINK
to believe that something is true. + OF – ABOUT – FOR: use the brain to plan
something, solve a problem, understand a
I think we’ve met before situation.

I was just thinking about Caroline when she


called
FEEL
to have an opinion about something. to experience happiness, sadness, fear, etc.

I feel that she’s the best person for the job. He’s feeling lonely.
HAVE
to possess or own. to eat or drink something / actions and
experiences
Who has the keys?
I’m having a drink now / I had a good time at
the party
LOOK

Grammar bits – stative vs dynamic verbs – B1 and B2 – Prof. Ornela Romero 2021
to appear or seem to be + FOR to try to find

You look sad. He was looking for something in the drawer.

+ AT to turn your eyes in the direction of


something or someone so that you can see it or
them.

I’m looking at the picture on page two


SEE
to notice people and things with your eyes. to meet or visit someone.

Have you seen Molly? I’m seeing Peter tonight.


SMELL
to have a particular quality that people to notice something by using your nose.
notice by using their nose.
I’m smelling something burning.
This coffee smells like soap.
TASTE
to have a particular flavor in your mouth. to put food or drink in your mouth to find out
what its flavour is like.
The soup tasted disgusting.
The participants were tasting the wines
APPEAR
to seem. to become visible / to begin to exist.

He appeared calm and relaxed. Clouds are appearing in the sky.


BE
used to describe someone or something to behave

I’m Maria He’s just being silly again – pay no attention.

1. Complete with the correct form of the verb in brackets

1) Actually, that ________________ (sound) wonderful.


2) We ________________ (cook) right now.
3) He ________________ (have) several large companies.
4) ________________ you ________________ (study) at the moment?
5) He ________________ (appear) a bit snobbish.
6) Right now it ________________ (seem) cold outside.
Grammar bits – stative vs dynamic verbs – B1 and B2 – Prof. Ornela Romero 2021
7) ________________ this dog ________________ (belong) to you?
8) I ________________ (not know) the right answer right now.
9) Jessica ________________ (believe) every word.
10) He ________________ (understand) Italian.
11) Maggie ________________ (hate) bugs.
12) They ________________ (remember) what happened.
13) We ________________ (need) a longer rope.
14) ________________ he ________________ (play) golf at the moment?
15) She ________________ (feel) she's not good enough.

2. Match to make sentences

3. Circle/colour the correct option

A. We are / are being at the office right now.


B. I see / am seeing that you are busy at the moment.
C. We have / are having a coffee.
D. I think / am thinking that's not true.
E. Joe is / is being silly again.
F. I see / am seeing Ben. We always have a lot of fun together.
G. Your cooking tastes / is tasting great.
H. We have / are having three kids.
I. We taste / are tasting the cakes now.
J. I think / am thinking about it at the moment.

4. Comment on the pictures using dynamic and/or state verbs

Grammar bits – stative vs dynamic verbs – B1 and B2 – Prof. Ornela Romero 2021
He looks sad / He’s looking out of the window

Grammar bits – stative vs dynamic verbs – B1 and B2 – Prof. Ornela Romero 2021
5. Use the prompts to make questions in present perfect simple or present perfect
continuous

What / you / think about / lately  What have you been thinking about lately?
How many / English classes / you / already / have
you / ever / smell / something so disgusting you almost vomited
What time / you / have / breakfast / since you started classes
Anyone / be / a little annoying / these days
Who / you / see / at weekends
You / ever / see / shooting star
How / you / feel / since the government announced the latest restrictions

6. Answer the questions in 5!

Grammar bits – stative vs dynamic verbs – B1 and B2 – Prof. Ornela Romero 2021

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