Stative verbs and simple forms

The idea

Verbs such as know, believe, own and need normally use a simple form when they express a state: I know. Some verbs also have action meanings that can use a continuous form, such as I am tasting the soup.

Examples

• I know the answer to that question.
• We believe your story.
• They own a small bakery.
• The plants need more water.
• This key belongs to our neighbour.
• The soup tastes salty.

Watch out

Do not use I am knowing for a present state. A verb’s meaning matters: the soup tastes salty describes its flavour, while tasting can also be an action.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form: I ___ the address. (know / am knowing)

   Show answer or example answer

   know

   know: knowing an address is a state, so the present simple fits.

2. Choose the correct form: Our neighbours ___ this shop. (own / are owning)

   Show answer or example answer

   own

   own: the neighbours’ possession is a state, not an action in progress.

3. Choose the correct form: The baby ___ a blanket. (needs / is needing)

   Show answer or example answer

   needs

   needs: the baby’s present need takes a simple form and the singular ending.

Use it today

Describe something you know, something you need and something a neighbour owns.