DYNAMIC AND

STATIVE VERBS
 Dynamic verbs

Most verbs have dynamic meanings. They usually describe actions

we can take (DO/WORK/ PLAY), or things that happen and these
verbs can be used in both type of tenses – simple and continuous:
e.g. I often listen to rap music.
I’m listening to 50 Cent now.
 State/stative verbs include
• Attitude verbs (often used to describe feelings, emotions, preferences etc.)
LOVE, LIKE, HATE, PREFER ETC.
• Mental/thinking verbs
BELIVE, KNOW, THINK, REMEMBER, NEED, WANT, UNDERSTAND etc.
• Sense/perception and possession verbs
FEEL, HEAR, SEE , HAVE, BELONG etc.
• State verbs are mostly used in simple tenses even if they refer
to something happening now/at the moment of speaking:

e.g. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?

DOES SHE WANT A CUP OF TEA?
 …BUT BE CAREFUL !

• Some state verbs can be used in the continuous form,

but with a change in meaning
• e.g. THINK, HAVE , LOOK etc.
- I think I have the best job in the world.
- What are you thinking about?
 Important!
• The important thing to remember is that verbs with state
meanings are NEVER used in CONTINUOUS forms.

I want a puppy. NOT I’m wanting a puppy!

 Exercise 1
• Find and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. I am not believing Sally took my jacket.
don’t believe
2. Are you seeing the bracelet with the three diamonds?
Do you see
 Homework
• Focus 3 Workbook page 10.
• Exercises: 3, 4 and 5
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION