Grammar: Using stative verbs in the continuous tense

Summary

In this BBC Learning English video, Angelic Dan explains the concept of state verbs, which typically describe feelings, possession, or sensory information and are not usually used in continuous forms. However, Dan humorously reveals that these verbs can sometimes break the rules. He highlights how state verbs can be made continuous to express temporary actions, irritation, politeness, or strong emotions, giving examples such as 'I'm loving it!' or 'I'll be needing some money.' He concludes by advising that while it's possible to bend these rules, it should be done sparingly.

Takeaways

• 📖 State verbs describe conditions or feelings, not actions.
• ❌ State verbs are generally not used in the continuous form, according to traditional rules.
• 🌀 Many state verbs have both state and dynamic forms, changing their meaning based on usage.
• 🚿 'Have' can be used in different ways: 'I have a car' (state) vs. 'I'm having a shower' (action).
• 😲 Using the continuous form of 'be' can indicate temporary behavior, like 'Why's he being so lazy?'
• 😤 Present continuous with adverbs like 'always' or 'constantly' shows irritation at a repeated habit.
• 🤔 State verbs can be made continuous to sound more polite or tentative, often in past or future continuous.
• ❤️ State verbs in continuous form can also express strong emotions, like 'I was loving it!'
• 🗣️ Idioms and set phrases sometimes use state verbs in the continuous form, e.g., 'It's weighing on my mind.'
• 💡 While state verbs are usually in simple form, breaking the rule occasionally is acceptable for emphasis.

Q & A

What are state verbs in English?

State verbs are verbs that describe a state rather than an action. They often refer to feelings, possession, or sensory information.

Can state verbs be used in the continuous form?

Yes, state verbs can sometimes be used in the continuous form, but this usually changes their meaning. While traditionally state verbs are not used continuously, there are exceptions.

What is an example of a state verb used in both its state and dynamic forms?

The verb 'have' can be used in both forms. In 'I have a car,' it expresses possession (state), while in 'I'm having a shower,' it describes an action (dynamic).

How does the continuous form change the meaning of the verb 'be'?

When 'be' is used in the continuous form, it suggests a temporary state or behavior. For example, 'Why's he being so lazy?' means the laziness is temporary.

Why would someone use the continuous form with adverbs like 'always' or 'constantly'?

Using the continuous form with adverbs such as 'always,' 'forever,' or 'constantly' can emphasize irritation or annoyance at a repeated habit.

How does the continuous form make language more polite or tentative?

The continuous form can soften requests or questions, making them less direct. For instance, 'I was wanting to borrow the car' is more polite than 'I want to borrow the car.'

How can state verbs be used to emphasize strong feelings?

State verbs can be used in the continuous form to emphasize strong, immediate feelings, such as 'I was loving it!' at the moment of speaking.

What are some examples of idioms that use state verbs in the continuous form?

Examples include 'It's really weighing on my mind' and 'I've been seeing my partner for over six months.' These idioms use state verbs in continuous forms.

When should we use state verbs in the continuous form?

While state verbs are usually in the simple form, they can occasionally be used in the continuous form to express temporary states, strong emotions, or to make polite requests.

What is the key takeaway from the lesson on state verbs?

The key takeaway is that although state verbs are usually not used continuously, there are exceptions where using the continuous form is appropriate, such as for politeness, emphasis, or to convey temporary behavior.