VERBS WITH STATIVE AND DYNAMIC USES

Some verbs are rarely used in progressive forms. They are called stative verbs because they usually refer to states or conditions that continue over a period of time, for example, know, prefer or agree. However, some stative verbs commonly have both stative and dynamic uses, with different menanings. 

Form

	Stative (simple verb form)	Dynamic use (Progressive verb form)
Be	Permanent state, general truth. Lupita is married	Acting, behaving. Michael is being really weird.
Have	Possession, characteristics. I have five minutes before class starts.	Causing, experiencing. I´m having problems with my car.
See	Notice, observe, and understand. Do you see what I mean?	Meet or date. They´ve been seeing each other for a while.
Think	Have an opinion. I think it’s a good idea.	The process of thought. I was thinking about it all day

	Examples
	Stative (simple verb form)	Dynamic use (Progressive verb form)
Be	He's an excellent guitarist.	You are not being serious!
Have	He has a beautiful car.	He's having lunch.
See	I see what you mean.	He's been seeing the same woman for eight years.
Think	I think it's a fantastic idea.	I am thinking about my friend.

Exercises: 

     1.   Susanna _______anyone now, or are you single?

     2.  Paul and I ______ really happy in our new home.

     3.  I ____at the news paper.

     4.  You ____ annoying

     5.           I ____ a good time.