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Stative Verbs List
Some verbs are only (or mostly) used in simple tenses, and are not used in continuous
tenses. An example of a simple tense is the present simple, or the past simple. An
example of a continuous tense is the present continuous or past continuous. These
verbs are called stative, or state verbs. A verb which isn’t stative is called a dynamic
verb, and is usually an action. Often stative verbs are about liking or disliking
something, or about a mental state, not about an action.
Verb Correct ot Correct
agree She didn’t agree with us. She wasn’t agreeing with us.
appear It appears to be raining. It is appearing to be raining.
believe I don’t believe the news. I am not believing the news.
belong This book belonged to my
grandfather.
This book was belonging to my
grandfather.
concern This concerns you. This is concerning you.
consist Bread consists of flour, water
and yeast.
Bread is consisting of flour, water
and yeast.
contain This box contains a cake. This box is containing a cake.
depend It depends on the weather. It’s depending on the weather.
deserve He deserves to pass the exam. He is deserving to pass the exam.
disagree I disagree with you. I am disagreeing with you.
dislike I have disliked mushrooms for
years.
I have been disliking mushrooms
for years.
doubt I doubt what you are saying. I am doubting what you are
saying.
feel (=have
an opinion)
I don’t feel that this is a good
idea.
I am not feeling that this is a good
idea.
fit This shirt fits me well. This shirt is fitting me well.
hate Julie’s always hated dogs. Julie’s always been hating dogs.
hear Do you hear music? Are you hearing music?
