Search 50 common stative verbs by verb, category, or example — the verbs you shouldn't put in the -ing form
| Verb | Category | Example |
|---|
No verbs match your search.
Some verbs are stative with one meaning and dynamic (action) with another — that's when the -ing form suddenly becomes correct.
Stative (opinion): I think it's a good idea.
Dynamic (process): I'm thinking about the offer.
Stative (possession): I have a car.
Dynamic (activity): I'm having lunch.
Stative (perception): I see what you mean.
Dynamic (meeting): I'm seeing a friend later.
Stative (quality): The soup tastes salty.
Dynamic (action): The chef is tasting the soup.
Stative (measurement): The bag weighs 3kg.
Dynamic (action): She's weighing the bag.
Stative (seem): He appears tired.
Dynamic (perform): She's appearing on TV tonight.
Stative verbs describe a state rather than an action — thoughts, feelings, senses, possession, or measurements. Because there's no ongoing "doing" to capture, they're not normally used in continuous (-ing) tenses: you'd say "I know the answer", not "I'm knowing the answer." This page groups the most common stative verbs by category so you can see the pattern behind them.
How to use it: type a verb or a category (like "emotion" or "cognition") into the search box — the table filters instantly as you type.