I’am sure most of you are familiar with this fast food slogan. In the grammar section of your textbook there is a classification of verbs that are not used in the continuous from, the so called stative verbs. the verb “love” would fall into that category. So how can “i’m lovin’ it” be expalined?
What was the meaning the slogan in the ad was trying to convey? Look at the examples below of stative and dynamic verbs and try to provide an answer despite not being grammatically correct!
Verbs can be classified into two categories – stative verbs and dynamic verbs. Stative verbs are referred to a state of being or condition that does not change or is not likely to change. On the other hand, Dynamic verbs, which are also referred to as “action verbs” usually describe actions that we can take, or things that happen. Stative verbs and dynamic verbs are often confusing. Many use stative verbs instead of dynamic verbs. It is important to note the difference here.Stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous (be + ing) forms.
Stative verbs
Stative verbs are referred to a state of condition that is static or unchanging. They can be divided as verbs of perception/cognition or verbs of relation (that describes the relationships between things). Below are some examples:
| Stative Verb | Type | Examples |
| Love | Perception | I love football. |
| Own | Possession | James owns an expensive car |
Dynamic verbs
Dynamic verbs describe activities or events, which can begin and finish. Below are some examples:
| Dynamic Verb | Type | Examples |
| Eat | Activity | Emily is eating an apple. |
| Sit | Momentary Action | He is sitting on his favourite bean bag. |
Some verbs can be both stative and dynamic as well. Below are some of the examples:
| Verbs | Stative Verb | Dynamic Verb |
| Be | John is nice (part of his personality). | John is being nice (only now, not usually). |
| Think | I think that book is nice (an opinion). | I am thinking if I should go on a holiday (consider, have it in my head). |
| Have | I have a nice book (own it). | I am having a lot of fun here (part of an expression). |
| See | I see what you mean (understand). | I have been with my granny for five years (meeting). |
| Taste | This coffee tastes bad (an opinion/has a certain taste). | Jeff is tasting the coffee (the action of tasting). |
Evening English 1 