Stative vs Dynamic Verbs
Learn which verbs can and cannot be used in the -ing form.
- check_circleI can distinguish between action and non-action verbs.
- check_circleI can use verbs like 'know' and 'want' correctly.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Alice: Do you want to go out for dinner? I know a great Italian place. Bob: I’m thinking about ordering pizza instead. I believe we already have some drinks in the fridge. Alice: That sounds good too! Are you having a good time watching the game? Bob: Yes! They are playing really well today.
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
Most verbs are dynamic verbs (action verbs). We can use them in the continuous form (with -ing) to talk about actions happening right now.
- She is running in the park.
- They are eating lunch.
However, some verbs are stative verbs (non-action verbs). They describe a state, feeling, or opinion. We do not use them with -ing, even if the state is true right now.
Common stative verbs include: know, believe, like, love, hate, want, need, understand.
- I want a coffee. (NOT I am wanting a coffee.)
- She loves this song. (NOT She is loving this song.)
Exceptions: Verbs with two meanings
Some verbs can be both stative and dynamic, but their meaning changes! Two common examples are have and think.
1. Have
- Stative (possession): I have a car. (NOT I am having a car.)
- Dynamic (experience/action): I am having dinner.
2. Think
- Stative (opinion): I think it’s a great movie. (NOT I am thinking it’s a great movie.)
- Dynamic (mental process): I am thinking about the problem.
Spanish speakers often try to use -ing with state verbs. Remember: I know, not I am knowing.
- Dynamic verbs describe actions (run, play, eat) and can take -ing.
- Stative verbs describe states/feelings (know, want, like) and do NOT take -ing.
- Have = possession (stative) OR eating/experiencing (dynamic).
- Think = opinion (stative) OR mental process (dynamic).
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?