Search results for 'tag:Present simple tag:Stative verbs' matching tags 'Present simple' and 'Stative verbs'

Re: Difference???

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 13:03:49 GMT

Dear Mr Paco, thank you for your reply.

With your reply, I have understood that the stative verbs cannot be used in the present continuous even though they have got a continuous meaning, as in this example: He always believes me even if I deceive him from times to times. But in the dynamic verbs, which is my main concern, can be used either in the present simple, when it is accompanied by a time (e.g.: He always washes his teeth on Saturday mornings) or in the present continuous when it is a repeated situation which is only accompanied by always or all the time (e.g.: HeÂ´s all the time raising his hand, it seems he knows everything or YouÂ´re always washing your teeth).

Is that what you are trying to explain to me? If it is, you neednÂ´t post a reply, simply thank you. If not, it would be grateful if you could post a reply giving me your opinions as well as some examples.

Thank you very much, Anonymons.

Re: Difference???

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 12:40:44 GMT

Ok, thank you very much for your reply. I think that explanation has helped me quite a lot. So, it all depends on the verb you use, doesn't it?

In the case of the stative verbs, it must be used in the present simple, as it doesnÂ´t allow the present simple (e.g.: He never believes anything I say) , and in the case of the dynamic verbs it can be used in the present simple if it is accompanied by a frequency (e.g.: He always washes his teeth on Saturday afternoon.) or in the present continuous if it is a repeated situation which has either always or all the time and may annoy you (e.g.: He's always raising his hand in class or HeÂ´s always washing his teeth, itÂ´s the only thing he does.).

If this is what you mean, thank you very much and you neednÂ´t post another reply; if not, please post me another reply explaining to me what you mean a little bit more detailed.

Thanks a lot

Re: Present Perfect vs. Present Simple, once again

paco2004 — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 19:57:45 GMT

Hello Astraea

I too am a learner of English, but let me answer to your question.

Are you asking if the sentences like below are correct?
       I write a letter now.
       I just finish my assignment.
No, both are incorrect. ~~Do you ask why?~~ Are you asking why? It's because "write" and "finish" are dynamic verbs. You can say "I live now in Zagreb", because "live" is a stative verb. But in the case when the verb is dynamic, the simple present tense can be used only when you talk about some habitual activity. For example,
        I write a letter to my mother once a week.
        Every week I finish my assignment before Friday night.
If you want to say some one-time event using a dynamic verb, you have to say it in [1] the past tense, [2] the present perfect tense, [3] the present progressive tense, [4] or the future tense.
        [1] I wrote a letter to my mother yesterday.
        [2] I have written a letter to my mother now.
        [3] I am now writing a letter to my mother.
        [4] I will write a letter to my mother tomorrow.

paco

Re: Present Tense / Past Tense

taiwandave — Wed, 05 Jan 2005 16:58:59 GMT

The present simple tense is commonly used as follows:

1. When talking about habits.
2. What talking about facts.
3. With certain verbs called non-action (or stative) verbs.

Habits are usually repeated actions. They can also include permanent (or semi-permanent) states. Examples:
She does her homework every night.
He smokes a lot.
I work at a bank.
She teaches French.
He lives in Japan.
That shop fixes motorcycles.
My mother doesnât work. She stays at home.

The present simple is used to express general truths:
The sky is blue.
Water freezes at zero degrees.
The earth orbits the sun.

It is also used for schedules and timetables:
The train leaves at 9:00.
The movie starts in two hours.

Non-action verbs (also called stative verbs) relate to emotions, cognitive processes, and the five senses. These verbs can be used in the present simple rather than present progressive tense.
We say "I love you," not "I am loving you".
We say "The students respect the teacher," not "The students are respecting the teacher."
We say "That tastes terrible!", not "That is tasting terrible."

1. Emotions

Verbs used to express emotions and feelings include like, dislike, love, hate, want, need, hope, expect, wish, mind, fear, prefer, admire, respect, resent, care, enjoy, appreciate, and miss:
We all dislike tests.
I want a new car.
I need a drink.
I hope to become a doctor.
He expects to pass his test.
She wishes she were a movie star.
Do you mind if I come in?
She fears her father.
He prefers chicken to beef.
We all admire heroes.
I respect my teacher.
She resents his unpleasant behavior.
I care a lot about my family.
They enjoy skiing.
She appreciates my help.
I miss my family.

2. Verbs of Cognition, Perception, and Thought Processes

These verbs include know, mean, understand, think, believe, agree, trust, guess, imagine, remember, forget, appear, seem, look like, notice, tolerate, plan, recall, and consider:
I know you.
I know the answer.
Does she mean to be so rude?
A green light means go.
I understand mathematics.
My parents donât understand me.
She thinks Iâm stupid.
I believe you.
She agrees with my suggestion.
He trusts his wife.
I guess itâs true.
Sometimes I imagine doing something different with my life.
My old teacher still remembers me.
I forget who she is.
This task appears to be impossible.
He seems stupid.
He looks like his father.
She never notices me.
She tolerates his foolishness.
We plan to go there tomorrow.
I donât recall ever meeting him before.
I consider you a friend.

3. The Five Senses

The most common verbs relating to the senses are see, hear, smell, taste and feel:
I see him.
I hear music.
It smells terrible.
The pizza tastes great.
That feels good.

Note that the verbs listen, look, watch and read involve the senses but form progressive tenses because they express deliberate actions:
Iâm listening to the radio now.
Heâs watching TV in his room.
That man is looking at me.
Sheâs reading a book now.

4. Other Non-Action Verbs

Other verbs that can be used in the present simple include have, own, belong to, cost, weigh, depend on, recommend, claim, guarantee, deserve, admit, tend, manage, deny, suggest, consist, and promise:
She has a son.
They own a large home.
That dogs belongs to me.
That car costs a lot of money.
She weighs 100 kilos.
She depends on her parents for everything.
I recommend this book.
He claims to be rich.
I guarantee you'll be satisfied with my work.
The killer deserves to die.
He admits to the crime.
She tends to make mistakes.
He manages a big company.
They deny everything.
I suggest you work harder.
Computers consist of many different parts.
He promises to change.