Dynamic and Stative Meaning

Sunday, August 26, 12

Stative verbs describe states or conditions which continue over a period of time.

Like, love, hate, want, need, hear, and see are examples of stative verbs. These verbs aren’t normally used in the progressive forms.

Stative Verbs

Sunday, August 26, 12

Love and hate are examples of verbs that are not temporary. When you express likes and dislikes, you express feelings

that remain.

I love to drive…

…but I hate traffic.

Sunday, August 26, 12

* Depending of how they are used they can either be stative or dynamic

Division of Stative Verbs

Stative Verbs

Thought or opinion

know, recognize

Possession

own, belong

Emotion

love, need

Senses*

feel, see

Sunday, August 26, 12

Dynamic verbs describe things which happen within a limited time.

Come, bring, buy, get, and learn are examples of dynamic

Dynamic Verbs

Sunday, August 26, 12

We express these ideas in the progressive form.

I’m learning English.

I’m helping my friend with his homework.

Leslie is having a party this weekend.

My parents are buying a new house.

Sarah is bringing the cake for

Anna’s birthday party.

Sunday, August 26, 12

Some verbs like have, look and think can have both stative and dynamic meaning.

“I think people need to know at least two languages.”

“I’m thinking that we need to buy more milk.”

(This is a personal opinion. It has permanence.)

(This is an idea of the moment. It will soon change.)

Sunday, August 26, 12

Is this correct?

Sunday, August 26, 12