Stative
verbs describe states or conditions which continue over a period
of time, so like, love, hate, want,
need, hear and see would all be examples of
stative verbs. These verbs are not normally used in the progressive
form.
Thus, we would say 'I've
always liked tennis'
and
NOT 'I've
always been liking tennis'.
Dynamic
or action verbs describe things that happen within a limited
time, things which have a definite beginning and end. Come,
bring, buy, get, learn, listen
and watch would all be examples of dynamic verbs.
These verbs may be used in both progressive and simple
forms:
I shall be bringing Ben with me when I visit you on Friday,
if that's all right.
I
shall bring Ben with me when I visit you on Friday, if
that's all right.
I learnt how to scuba dive when I was in Costa Rica.
I was learning how to scuba dive when I heard that you
were coming.
However,
some stative verbs are occasionally used in the progressive
form when they describe something with a definitebeginning
and end - like your soup example, Tammo.
Let us have a look at a few examples of some of the most common
stative verbs. In each of these examples, the stativeaspect is listed first and the progressive form, to
describe something that is temporary, is listed second.
be
My
new boyfriend's a doctor and he's extremely nice.
There's
no point losing your temper. You're being very silly about
this. Just calm down!
have
He
has sparkling blue eyes and wavy blond hair.
Where
is that noise coming from? ~ It's our neighbours. They're having
a party.
think/love
Do
you think our love affair will last? I have never loved
anybody as much as I love Ben.
I'm
thinking of going to Mauritius for my next holiday.
smell
His
aftershave smells of orange blossom. Such a heavenly smell!
Why
are you smelling the cream, Richard? ~ It's three days
old. I think it may be off.
see/know
He
was looking at me in a strange way and I saw/knew at once
that something was wrong.
I'm
seeing her tomorrow. Then we'll know whether she wants
to work here or not.
feel
He
said he felt that we weren't suited to one another after
all.
How
are you feeling today? ~ I'm not feeling / I don't feel
very well, actually.
mean
Melissa
tried to comfort me. "He doesn't mean what he says," she
said.
I've
been meaning to ask you this for some time. Is there anyone
else?
forget
He
treated me so badly but I shall never forget him.
Oh
yes, of course, I was forgetting: Daphne's birthday is
on Saturday.
