Active Verbs vs. Stative Verbs

One of the most common grammar mistakes English learners make is using continuous tenses with verbs that describe a state rather than an action. This lesson is going to explain the difference between active verbs and stative verbs.

For example:

❌ I am knowing the answer.

The correct sentence is:

✅ I know the answer.

To understand why, you need to know the difference between active verbs and stative verbs.

What Are Active Verbs?

Active verbs (also called dynamic verbs) describe actions, activities, or events. They usually show something a person or thing does.

Since actions can continue over time, these verbs are commonly used in continuous (-ing) tenses.

Examples

• She is running.
• They are cooking dinner.
• I am studying English.
• He was driving home.
• We have been waiting for an hour.

Common Active Verbs

What Are Stative Verbs?

Stative verbs describe:

• thoughts
• feelings
• opinions
• possession
• senses
• relationships
• states of being

These are not actions, so they usually do not appear in continuous tenses.

Instead, we use the Simple Present, Simple Past, or Present Perfect.

Common Categories of Stative Verbs

Why Don’t Stative Verbs Use -ing?

Continuous tenses describe actions that are happening right now or are temporary.

A state is not usually something that is “in progress.”

Compare:

✅ I am running.
(Running is an action.)

✅ I know her.
(Knowing is a state.)

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

I am understanding.

Correct

I understand.

Incorrect

She is owning a car.

Correct

She owns a car.

Incorrect

We are believing you.

Correct

We believe you.

Important Exceptions

Some verbs can be both stative and active, depending on their meaning.

This is one of the most important grammar points in English.

Quick Comparison

Stative Meaning	Active Meaning
I think you’re right.	I’m thinking about my future.
She has a car.	She’s having lunch.
I see your point.	I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow.
The soup tastes salty.	The chef is tasting the soup.
The flowers smell nice.	The dog is smelling the flowers.
You look tired.	She’s looking for her phone.
He feels sick.	He’s feeling the material.

Tips for Remembering

Ask yourself:

Is this describing an action or a state?

If it is a state, do not use -ing.

If it is an action happening now, the continuous tense may be correct.

Practice

Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Sentence

a) I’m knowing the answer.

b) I know the answer.

a) She’s having lunch.

b) She has lunch now.

a) I think he’s right.

b) I’m thinking he’s right.

a) The soup tastes good.

b) The soup is tasting good.

a) They’re seeing the dentist tomorrow.

b) They see the dentist tomorrow.

Exercise 2 – Correct the Mistakes

1. I am believing you.

---

2. She is owning a house.

---

3. He is understanding the lesson.

---

4. We are needing more time.

---

5. This flower is smelling beautiful.

---

Exercise 3 – Stative or Active?

Write S for stative or A for active.

1. She is writing a letter. _____
2. I know the answer. _____
3. They are cooking dinner. _____
4. We believe you. _____
5. He’s looking for his glasses. _____
6. She owns a bakery. _____
7. The baby is sleeping. _____
8. I prefer coffee. _____
9. We’re having a great time. _____
10. This soup tastes delicious. _____

Exercise 4 – Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct form of the verb.

1. I __________ (know) the answer.
2. She __________ (study) right now.
3. They __________ (have) dinner.
4. He __________ (believe) the story.
5. The dog __________ (smell) the flowers.
6. We __________ (love) our new home.
7. I __________ (think) about changing jobs.
8. This cake __________ (taste) amazing.

Exercise 5 – Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the sentence using the correct tense.

1. I am knowing her.
2. We are having two cats.
3. The soup is tasting delicious.
4. I’m thinking you’re correct.
5. He is being very helpful today.

Speaking Practice

Work with a partner or record yourself answering these questions.

1. What are you doing this week?
2. What do you know about Canada?
3. What foods do you love?
4. What are you thinking about these days?
5. Are you having a busy week?

Try to notice when you should use simple tenses and when you should use continuous tenses.

Writing Challenge

Write 8–10 sentences about your daily life.

Use:

• at least four active verbs
• at least four stative verbs
• at least two present continuous sentences

Common Learner Tip 🇨🇦

In everyday Canadian English, you’ll often hear:

• I’m having coffee with a friend.
• I’m seeing my doctor tomorrow.
• You’re being funny today!

These are all correct because the verbs describe activities or temporary behaviour, not permanent states.

Key Takeaways: Active Verbs and Stative Verbs

✔ Active verbs describe actions and commonly use continuous tenses.

✔ Stative verbs describe states, feelings, thoughts, possession, or senses and usually do not use -ing forms.

✔ Some verbs can be both stative and active, depending on their meaning.

✔ Always ask yourself: Is this an action or a state?

Mastering this difference will make your English sound much more natural.