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They are verbs which are not used in continuous tenses. These verbs often describe states that last for some time.
belong contain consist depend matter look (=seem) smell deny impress surprise feel (=have an opinion) concern have include
Here are some examples, showing that these words cannot be used in the progressive form.
Correct : "I like chocolate, but I prefer cake." Incorrect: "I'm liking chocolate but I'm preferring cake."
Correct : "I don't understand you when you speak quickly." Incorrect: "I'm not understanding you when you speak quickly."
DYNAMIC VERBS
They are verbs which describes an action rather than a state. Dynamic verbs are sometimes known as "action verbs."
TASTE (stative) = has a certain taste (when you talk about flavors)
This soup tastes great The coffee tastes really bitter amargo
DONT MIND (stative) = Here, mind means "be bothered by", which is a state of mind, not an
action. Therefore, it is stative. "I don't mind if we watch a movie tonight."
DONT MIND (dynamic) = Here, minding means "looking after" and is therefore a process and a
dynamic verb.
REMINDER: Actions that are in progress now => PRESENT PROGRESSIVE OR CONTINUOUS Example: We are walking right now.
EXERCISES
COMPLETE THE SENTENCES BY USING STATIVE AND DYNAMIC VERBS.
1. Actually, that SOUNDS 2. We ARE COOKING 3. I PROMISE (sound) wonderful. 6. DO you HEAR (you, hear) Richard's voice now?
(disagree) on
8. I DONT MEAN (not mean) to hurt you. 9. DO you MIND (mind) taking out the garbage? 10. I seriously DOUBT (doubt) it.