English grammar - Roger Berry 2012

B5.3 Stative and non-stative verbs
B5 The meanings of tense and aspect
Section B Development

We need to investigate one more distinction between verbs, that between ’stative’ and ’non-stative’ (or ’dynamic’) verbs. This is closely related to the use of the progressive.

Stative verbs such as want, like, need, resemble and own tend not to occur in progressive forms. It would sound strange to say ’He’s wanting an ice-cream.’ Because they basically refer to states there is no need for an alternative with the progressive to indicate an activity in progress. And they have no imperative (see B9): Want this!

However, there are times when we want to emphasise a state and make it seem like an activity, for example:

I’ve been wanting to meet you for ages.

You’ll be needing a haircut soon. (’I can see a point in the future when you will be in need of a haircut.’)

And adverts exploit this emphatic interpretation of the progressive with stative verbs: Were loving it!

A number of verbs can be both stative and non-stative, but with different meanings (another example of grammar and meaning being related). Thus think is stative when it refers to opinions, but non-stative when it refers to a mental process:

I think we should go now. (Not ’I am thinking . . .’)

Don’t interrupt; I’m thinking.

Similarly, the verb be is normally non-stative, but if it is used with adjectives referring to temporary behaviour then it can have progressive forms (and the imperative):

You’re being naughty. Be quiet.

Activity B5.5

Look at the sentences below containing have. One of them is wrong/sounds strange. Which? How can this be explained?

1. I have three sisters.

2. I am having three sisters.

3. I have a bath every day.

4. I am having a bath.

VARIATION IN ENGLISH

In Indian English the use of stative verbs with progressive forms is common, for example:

They are owning several houses.

And this use is also becoming more common in British and American English:

I’m thinking we should leave now.