State verbs describe a state of being rather than an action. They include verbs of senses, feelings, thinking, possession, and being. State verbs are not used in the continuous form except to express a temporary feeling. Some verbs like have and think can be used as either state or action verbs depending on the meaning in the specific context.

1. STATE AND ACTION VERBS Also called stative and dynamic verbs

2. STATE VERBS A state is when something stays the same. State verbs are not used in the continuous form

3. ACTION VERBS An action is when something happens

4. STATE VERBS 1. VERBS OF THE SENSES Appear Hear Look like See Taste

5. STATE VERBS 2. VERBS OF THE FEELINGS like Hate Love Prefer Want Wish

6. STATE VERBS 3. VERBS OF THINKING Agree Believe Forget Know Think Understand

7. STATE VERBS 4. VERBS OF POSSESSION Belong to Contain Have Own

8. STATE VEREBS 5. VERBS OF BEING Be Exist

9. STATE VERBS 6. OTHER VERBS Cost Depend on Mean Need

10. STATE VERBS IN THE CONTINUOUS FORM? It’s OK to use a state verb in the continuous form if it expresses a temporary feeling “ -How are you getting on in your new school? -I’m loving it”

11. VERBS THAT CAN EXPRESS STATE AND ACTION It is possible for some verbs to express state and action if they have two different meanings

12. VERBS THAT CAN EXPRESS STATE AND ACTION HAVE Action: “ He’s having a shower” (=taking) State: “He has a house in London”

13. VERBS THAT CAN EXPRESS STATE AND ACTION THINK “ He thinks Obama will win the elections” (opinion = state) “ what are you thinking now?” (action)

14. VERBS THAT CAN EXPRESS STATE AND ACTION SEE Action: “I’m seeing my dentist next Tuesday” (=have an appointment with) State: “ I see what you mean” (=understand)