2.2.2   Main verbs

        

               Main verbs are verbs that have meanings related to actions, events or states of being, compared with 
               helping or auxiliary verbs that go with them. Most verbs in English are main verbs and there are
               hundreds of them. 

 

          2.2.2.1  Dynamic verbs and Stative verbs
 

                       A main verb has two functions: it either describes “an action,” or it describes “a state of being.” So
                       in terms of functions, these hundreds of main verbs can be classified into dynamic verbs and stative
                       verbs.

             

                      The verbs that describe action are called “dynamic verbs,” and they can be used with continuous
                      tenses.
 

                      Other verbs that describe a state of being (non-action, a situation) are called “stative verbs,” and
                      normally cannot be used with continuous tenses (although some of them can be used with
                      continuous tenses with a change in meaning.) 

 

                2.2.2.1.1   Dynamic verb examples:

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• hit

• explode

• fight

• run

• go

• find

• fly

• swim

• jump

• wash

​

                2.2.2.1.2   Stative verb examples:

​

• be

• like, love, prefer, wish

• impress, please, surprise

• hear, see, sound

• belong to, consist of, contain, include, need

• appear, resemble, seem

​

                 2.2.2.1.3  Some verbs may be used as dynamic or stative verbs with a different meaning . For
                                 example:
 

• She is seeing someone right now. (dynamic - meet, have a relationship with)

• I see what you mean. (stative - understanding)

• We’re having breakfast right now. (dynamic - eating breakfast)

• I have a car. (stative - possession)

• James is looking for a job. (dynamic - seeking)

• That dress looks nice! (stative - appearance)

• She’s tasting the soup to see if it needs more salt. (dynamic - using the mouth to test the soup)

• The soup tastes a bit salty. (stative - the quality of taste of the soup)

• We’re thinking about going to the movie tonight. (dynamic - using the mind to determine something)

• He thinks she's pretty! (stative - opinion)