Stative verbs
Verbs used statively show conditions or situations that exist.
- Professor Greene knows a lot about biomechanics
- (NOT: Professor Greene is knowing a lot about biomechanics)
- We have a flat screen TV at our house.
- The food tastes amazing.
Active verbs
Verbs used actively show action. Some verbs are basically stative and are rarely used actively. Some examples include:
- want
- need
- like
- own
- know
- belong
Other verbs are often used statively but are sometimes used actively. When they are used in this way, they often take on different meanings.
- We’ll be having dinner at a restaurant tomorrow. (Have = eat or drink)
- Katie is being ridiculous right now. (Be = behave)
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.