Stative and dynamic verbs
Use simple and continuous forms with verbs of state, activity and temporary behaviour.
Learning goal: Stative and dynamic verbs
Recognise when verbs such as think, have and see are stative or dynamic.
Level and focus
Level: B1
Category: Present tenses
Use simple and continuous forms with verbs of state, activity and temporary behaviour.
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: Recognise when verbs such as think, have and see are stative or dynamic.
Core idea
This lesson focuses on one clear grammar job. Learners should first recognise the pattern in short examples, then use it in controlled sentences, and only later combine it with other grammar.
Pattern
Form
stative verbs usually describe states: know, believe, want, need, belongdynamic verbs describe actions: run, study, make, changesome verbs can be both with different meanings: think, have, see, taste
Meaning and use
Use this grammar when the sentence needs the meaning described in the lesson goal. At this level, accuracy is more important than stylistic variety. Keep examples short, concrete and close to everyday communication before moving to longer texts.
Examples
Examples
- I know the answer.
- She is thinking about the problem.
- This soup tastes good.
- He is tasting the soup.
Watch out
Common mistakes
- Using continuous forms with ordinary stative meaning: not
I am knowing him.; useI know him.. - Missing meaning change: not
I have a shower now.; useI am having a shower now.. - Assuming all stative verbs can never be continuous: not
This rule rejects all uses of I'm loving it.; useSome continuous uses are marked, temporary or informal..
Teaching sequence
- Show the pattern with two or three very short examples.
- Contrast the correct form with one common error.
- Let learners complete controlled examples.
- Ask learners to produce their own short sentence.
- Finish with a mixed review item so they distinguish this point from neighbouring grammar.
Boundary: what not to cover here
This is a B1 bridge between A1 present contrasts and advanced C2 aspect.
Suggested practice
Start with recognition, then controlled completion, then sentence rewriting or ordering where appropriate. Keep distractors close enough to test the grammar point, but avoid trick options that require vocabulary beyond the level.
Self-check
Quick check
Before you move on, can you explain the rule in one sentence and make one example of your own?
Put it into practice
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A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to C1 Advanced.
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