Differences between Action and Stative Verbs

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 cannot 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 -  He is from Dallas, TX in the Southwest.Hate -  She hates ironing clothes, but doesnt want to wear them wrinkled.Like -  I like spending time with my friends.  Love  - She loves her children just as any mother loves her children.Need -  Im afraid I dont need a new pair of shoes.  Belong -  Do these keys belong to you?Believe -  Jason believes the news about the company, but I dont.Cost - How much does that book cost?Get -  I get the situation, but I still dont know the answer.Impress -  Does Tom impress you with all his knowledge?Know - She knows the answer, but she doesnt want to give it away.Reach - Can I reach and take the hamburger?Recognize -  Susan recognizes the need for a discussion.Taste -  The wine tastes very fruity, but still has a dry finish.Think -  I think thats a good idea.  Understand -  Do you understand the question? 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. Generally, stative verbs fall into four groups: Verbs Showing Thought or Opinions Know -  She knows the answer to the question.Believe -  Do you believe what he says every time?Understand - I understand the situation very well.Recognize -  She recognizes him from high school.   Verbs Showing Possession Have -  I have a car and a dog.Own -  Peter owns a motorcycle and a scooter, but no car.Belong -  Do you belong to the fitness club?Possess -  She possesses an incredible talent for talking. Verbs Showing Senses Hear -  I hear someone in the other room.Smell -  It smells bad in here. Did you fart?See -  I see three trees in the yard.Feel -  I feel happy this afternoon.   Verbs Showing Emotion Love -  I love listening to classical music.Hate -  She hates to get up early every day.Want -  I want some help with my homework.Need -  I need some time with my friends.   If you are unsure of whether a verb is an action verb or a stative verb ask yourself the following question: Does this verb relate some sort of process or a state? If it relates a process, then the verb is an action verb. If it relates a state, the verb is a stative verb.