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Some English verbs describe states that cannot be described using the progressive verb
tenses. These verbs are said to have stative meanings and are often called stative verbs. It is
important to be aware, however, that there are some verbs with stative meanings that can be
used in the progressive verb tenses because they also have non-stative meanings or uses.
COMMON STATIVE VERBS
The verbs in the list below usually have stative meanings and are almost never
used in the progressive verb tenses.
agree desire know realize
amaze disagree like recognize
appreciate dislike love remember
astonish doubt matter resemble
believe envy need seem
belong equal owe sound
concern exist own suppose
consist fear please surprise
contain hate possess understand
depend hear prefer want
The verb FEEL always has a stative meaning when it is used intransitively with a non-
human subject:
This material feels very soft.
After the operation, his arm felt sore for several weeks.
However, the verb FEEL can be used intransitively in the progressive tenses with a
human subject:
Sheila is feeling sick today.
He has been feeling depressed for weeks.
The verb FEEL can be used transitively in the progressive tenses:
She is feeling the sleeve of the jacket to see if it is made of wool.
The little girl was feeling the kitten’s fur
Finally, the verb FEEL always has a stative meaning when it is used as a synonym
of the verb think or the verb believe:
I feel that the department is spending too much money.
Susan feels that we have not given enough attention to this issue.
GRAMMAR: Verbs with Stative Meanings (3)
COMMON VERBS WITH BOTH STATIVE AND NON-STATIVE MEANINGS OR USES
SEE
Unlike the verbs SMELL, TASTE, WEIGH, and FEEL, the verb SEE cannot be used
in the progressive verb tenses to describe the action of ascertaining the state of
something. As a verb of perception, it is always stative. Nevertheless, it does have two
very common non-stative meanings that are not specifically related to visual
perception, and it can be used in the progressive verb tenses with these meanings.
The verb SEE always has a stative meaning when it is used to describe or express
visual perception:
When she sees the stain on the carpet, she will be angry.
I looked out the window and saw a sailboat on the lake.
However, the verb SEE can be used in the progressive tenses when it means meet
with someone:
Doctor Smith is seeing a patient and cannot come to the phone.
I will be seeing her tomorrow morning.
The verb SEE can also be used in the progressive verb tenses when it means date
someone:
Susan is seeing George now.
They have been seeing each other for over a month.