Intermediate English · 18 min
Stative verbs
The point
Verbs of knowing, liking, and owning usually stay in the simple form, even for now: know, like, own, need. She knows the date. Do not put them in the continuous just because the time is now.
Form and use
A stative verb names a state, not an action in progress. Know, believe, want, like, love, hate, own, belong, need, seem, prefer, mean, and understand stay simple. She knows the date. I need a name. This desk belongs to Mina. She is knowing the date is wrong.
Read the full set. I know. She knows. They know. I believe you. She wants a copy. He likes the plan. We love this city. They hate the delay. She owns the flat. It belongs to her. I need a name. It seems ready. I prefer tea. This word means stop. She understands the note.
See, think, and have can change meaning. I am seeing a friend at six is a meeting. I see the point is understanding, so it stays simple. I think she is right is an opinion. I am thinking about the price is the act of considering.
Have a car or have time is a state: she has a car. Have a meeting, have lunch, or have a shower is an activity: she is having a meeting. A state refuses -ing. An activity allows it.
Don't translate it like this
Don't say
She is knowing the date.
Say
She knows the date.
그녀는 날짜를 압니다.
Know stays simple.
Short examples
She knows the date.
그녀는 날짜를 압니다.
I need a name.
이름이 필요합니다.
She knows the price.
그녀는 가격을 압니다.
I believe the report.
나는 그 보고서를 믿습니다.
They want a quieter room.
그들은 더 조용한 방을 원합니다.
This key belongs to the office.
이 열쇠는 사무실 것입니다.
I prefer tea in the morning.
나는 아침에 차를 더 좋아합니다.
I am seeing a friend at six.
여섯 시에 친구를 만납니다.
I think the plan is fair.
나는 그 계획이 공정하다고 생각합니다.
She is having lunch with the client.
그녀는 고객과 점심을 먹고 있습니다.
Questions
Every question has to be right to close this point.
Answer every question, then check.