The same verb can describe a state or an activity.
The idea
Use simple think for an opinion, have for possession and see for perception. Continuous forms can express considering, eating a meal or meeting by appointment.
| State | Activity |
|---|---|
| think: believe | think: consider |
| have: possess | have: eat a meal |
| see: perceive | see: meet by appointment |
Examples
- I think the plan is sensible.
- I am thinking about the plan.
- We have a small garden.
- We are having lunch outside.
- I see a boat near the bridge.
- I am seeing the dentist tomorrow.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.
No English device voice is available. You can still read the examples.
Watch out
Do not assume every meaning of have is a state: are having lunch describes an activity.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form: I ___ this answer is right. (think / am thinking)
Show answer or example answer
think
think: the sentence expresses an opinion about the answer.
Choose the correct form: They ___ dinner now. (have / are having)
Show answer or example answer
are having
are having: dinner is an activity in progress.
Choose the correct form: She ___ her doctor tomorrow. (sees / is seeing)
Show answer or example answer
is seeing
is seeing: the appointment is a future arrangement.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct form: I ___ this answer is right. (think / am thinking)
Choose the correct form: They ___ dinner now. (have / are having)
Choose the correct form: She ___ her doctor tomorrow. (sees / is seeing)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Describe an opinion, a meal in progress and an appointment.