Stative Verb and Action Verb Essay Example for Free

Stative Verb and Action Verb Essay All verbs in English are classified as either stative or action verbs (also referred to as dynamic verbs). Action verbs describe actions we take (things we do) or things that happen. Stative verbs refer to the way things are their appearance, state of being, smell, etc. The most important difference between stative and action verbs is that action verbs can be used in continuous tenses and stative verbs can not be used in continuous tenses. Action Verbs Shes studying math with Tom at the moment. AND She studies math with Tom every Friday. Theyve been working since seven oclock this morning. AND They worked for two hours yesterday afternoon. Well be having a meeting when you arrive. AND We are going to meet next Friday. Stative Verbs The flowers smell lovely. NOT Those flowers are smelling lovely. She heard him speak in Seattle yesterday afternoon. NOT She was hearing him speak in Seattle yesterday afternoon. Theyll love the concert tomorrow evening. NOT Theyll be loving the concert tomorrow evening. Common Stative Verbs There are many more action verbs than stative verbs. Here is a list of some the most common stative verbs: Be , hate, like, love, need, belong, believe, cost, get, impress, know reach, recognize, taste, think, understand You may notice that some of these verbs can be used as action verbs with different meanings. For example, the verb to think can either express an opinion, or the process of considering. In the first case, when think expresses an opinion it is stative: I think she should work harder on her math. She thinks he is a fantastic singer. Think, however, can also express the process of considering something. In this case think is an action verb: Theyre thinking about buying a new house. Shes thinking of joining a health club.