Stative verbs describe states of being or perception, almost all linking verbs also fall under this category however not all stative verbs are linking verbs. Examples of stative verbs include know, like, love, own, possess, recognize, etc. these verbs describes states of being and  do not have a clear beginning or end. Generally these verbs are not used in the continuous tenses with few exceptions. Some stative verbs are also dynamic verbs (action verbs), these verbs can be used in the continuous tenses in their dynamic form. Dynamic verbs describe actions that have a clear beginning and end, they can be physical actions, mental actions, or actions related to perception.

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Note: This is not a complete list of all stative verbs but includes many of the most used 

 

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Stative verbs that are also dynamic 

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​​Appear

Stative - The house appears old. - (to describe appearance) 

Dynamic - He has being appearing in many movies lately. - (to perform in a film, play, etc.)

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​​Be

Stative - Mike is a great person. - (to exist) 

Dynamic - He was being difficult to work with. - (to describe a temporary behavior)  

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​​Have
Stative - I have a large family. - (to possess) 
Dynamic - I was having a great time. - (to experience)  

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​​Hear

Stative - I don't hear well anymore. - (capable of perceiving sound) 

Dynamic - I must have been hearing things. - (to perceive sound)  

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Feel 

Stative - I feel very excited. - (emotional state) 

Dynamic - I am feeling the different materials to see which one is best. - (physical sensation) 

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Look

Stative -  The food looks good.  (to describe appearance) 

Dynamic - I was looking for my keys for 20 minutes. (to search) 

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See

Stative -  I can't see, it's too dark. (capable of sight)

Dynamic -  I've been seeing her for a month. (the act of meeting with someone) 

 

Smell
Stative -  The sewers smell bad. (to describe a sensation) 
Dynamic -  He is smelling different colognes to pick the one he likes best. (the act of smelling) 

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Taste
Stative -  I think pizza tastes great. (to describe a taste) 
Dynamic -  I was tasting different wines. (the act of tasting) 

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Think

Stative - I think people should be more patient. (to believe) 

Dynamic -  I was thinking about everything that happened. (the act of thinking) 

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Weigh
Stative - I weigh 77 kilos. (to describe weight) 
Dynamic - They are weighing the silver. (the act of weighing) 

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