In this section, you will learn about which verbs we can use the present continuous tense, and which verbs we have to use in present simple.
I’m liking this new cafe. → I like this new cafe.
I’m knowing this street. → I know this street.
I’m needing a new car. → I need a new car.
When we are learning about present simple and present continuous, one of the most important things are stative verbs. So what are stative verbs? What does ‘stative’ mean? ‘Stative’ is an adjective from the word ‘state’ and a good example of a state is ‘on’ or ‘off’
Let’s look at a common stative verb ‘to like’.
To English speakers, to like something is either we do like it: on,
or we don’t like it: off
There is no temporary situation just for now.
Imagine the following sentences:
We can’t imagine a situation where ‘we are liking dogs’ just for now. Therefore present continuous is not possible.
Stative verbs are very common for other verbs connected with ‘like’.
to dislike
to hate
to love
to prefer
And these are some other common stative verbs:
to know
I know a good restaurant
to understand
I understand what you mean
to believe
She believes in God
to need
I need some extra time
to belong
This book belongs to my brother
Please note that sometimes we can see these verbs with the -ing ending, only when they are gerunds. Gerunds are verbs which act like nouns.
My understanding is that the project is difficult.
Knowing how to use a computer well is important.
She told me that belonging to a good team has helped her a lot.
So we can see these -ing forms in gerund, but never in the present continuous.
