Stative vs. Dynamic Verbs

Stative Verbs

These verbs describe a state, condition, or situation that is relatively static and not typically associated with an action or change. They often describe emotions, thoughts, senses, or states of being.

Dynamic Verbs

These verbs describe actions, processes, or activities that involve movement, change, or ongoing actions. Dynamic verbs typically represent things that can be physically seen or experienced.

Why Does It Matter?

Stative verbs are not usually used in progressive (continuous) tenses because they imply a state rather than an action. Dynamic verbs, on the other hand, could be used in progressive tenses to indicate actions that are happening at a particular moment or over a period of time.

The vast majority of the verbs are dynamic verbs. So, in order to avoid committing errors in this area, it would be advisable to learn common stative verbs and avoid using them in progressive tenses.

Common Stative Verbs

Mental States

1. Know
2. Believe
3. Understand
4. Think
5. Remember
6. Forget
7. Assume
8. Imagine
9. Realize
10. Doubt
11. Trust
12. Recognize
13. Suppose
14. Wish
15. Despair
16. Admire
17. Adore
18. Fascinate
19. Disagree
20. Hesitate
21. Appreciate
22. Fear
23. Mind
24. Reflect

Emotional States

25. Like
26. Dislike
27. Love
28. Hate
29. Prefer
30. Envy
31. Despise
32. Impress
33. Encourage
34. Disappoint
35. Rejoice
36. Deserve
37. Apologize
38. Enjoy
39. Miss
40. Fear

Possession and Ownership

41. Have
42. Possess
43. Include
44. Contain
45. Owe
46. Occupy

Appearance and Perception

47. Appear
48. Seem
49. Resemble

Necessity and Obligation

50. Need
51. Want
52. Require
53. Concern
54. Boast
55. Suit
56. Qualify
57. Demand
58. Indicate
59. Denote
60. Signify
61. Symbolize
62. Represent

Existence and Being

63. Be
64. Exist

Other States and Conditions

65. Consist
66. Entail
67. Belong
68. Depend
69. Matter
70. Weigh
71. Promise
72. Tend
73. Permit
74. Suggest
75. Occupy
76. Encompass
77. Define

Stative vs. Dynamic Verbs Worksheet

Instructions: Read each sentence carefully. Determine whether the underlined verb is a stative verb (S) or a dynamic verb (D). Write your answer in the blank provided.

1. Maria always enjoys watching the sunset at the beach.

• Verb: enjoys
• Answer: _____

2. The students are learning about ancient civilizations in history class.

• Verb: learning
• Answer: _____

3. She has a beautiful garden with colorful flowers and tall trees.

• Verb: has
• Answer: _____

4. Jason believes that hard work leads to success.

• Verb: believes
• Answer: _____

5. They are playing soccer in the park this afternoon.

• Verb: playing
• Answer: _____

6. He knows the answer to the difficult question.

• Verb: knows
• Answer: _____

7. The chef is preparing a delicious meal for the guests.

• Verb: preparing
• Answer: _____

8. Sarah dislikes eating mushrooms because of their texture.

• Verb: dislikes
• Answer: _____

9. The cat sleeps peacefully on the window sill every afternoon.

• Verb: sleeps
• Answer: _____

10. The children are building a sandcastle on the beach.

• Verb: building
• Answer: _____

Ready to See the Answers?

Answers:

1. S (Stative)
2. D (Dynamic)
3. S (Stative)
4. S (Stative)
5. D (Dynamic)
6. S (Stative)
7. D (Dynamic)
8. S (Stative)
9. S (Stative)
10. D (Dynamic)