Teo  +  483497 Sat, 01 Mar 08 05:31 AM The box contains a necklace. = A necklace is in the box. The can holds two gallons. = ... has a capacity ...  .. These verbs (contain, hold matter, ...) also reveal their stative character in the above senses by their unacceptability with the progressive : * The box is containing a necklace, etc Again, exceptional uses of these as "process" verbs may be found; eg: How much was the tank containing when you last inspected it? __ The above is quoted from a grammar book. Can anyone tell me when we can use these verbs like contain as process verbs?  Teo Joined on Tue, Sep 28 2004 Taiwan Contributing Member 1,631 Thank you very much for your reply. Grammar, Verbs

	Yankee  +  483608 Sat, 01 Mar 08 12:45 PM Hi Teo IF the verb 'contain' is used in the progressive, it will have a meaning similar to "(actively) control to keep from spreading". Without any further context, your sentence sounds odd. However, I suppose the situation might be that the tank's main function was to prevent or control the spread of something dangerous.  Inspections might be necessary in order to ascertain how well the tank is functioning. Yankee Joined on Sat, Apr 15 2006 Connecticut, USA Veteran Member 6,497 Amy "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain Verbs