Stative/State Verbs

When a verb describes a state rather than an action, it’s called stative(state) verb, and it can only be used in simple tenses.

I have a BMW.
(not I am having a BMW)

The verb "have" indicates a possession and it's used as a stative verb; so, we cannot use it in a progressive tense.

The roses smell nice.
(not the roses are smelling nice)

The soup tastes great.
(not the soup is tasting great)
Note:

Sometimes we can use the same verbs in a progressive tense, yet with a different meaning.

Examples:

I am having a BMW soon.
Here the verb "have" doesn't indicate possession, it has a meaning of "buying".

I am tasting the soup.
Here the verb "taste" indicates an action so it is an action verb.
See action verbs here

The flowers look beautiful. (state)
I am looking at the flowers. (action)
When I look at the flowers, I feel joyful. (action)

Some Common Stative Verbs


adore
agree
appreciate
believe
cost
disagree
dislike
doubt
feel
forget		forgive
hate
hope
know
like
look
love
need
notice
own		prefer
promise
realize
recognize
regret
resemble
suppose
understand
want
wish

Also See:

Stative Passive Verbs
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