Stative Verbs

Stative verbs are verbs that describe a state rather than an action. When describing states, they never take the continuous (‘-ing’) form. Here are some examples of stative verbs and instances of their correct and incorrect usage.

STATIVE VERB - CORRECT USAGE - INCORRECT USAGE

Like
I like you.
I am liking you.

Love
I love you.
I am loving you.

Hate
I hate you.
I am hating you

Appear
It appears to be cloudy.
It is appearing to be cloudy.

Believe
I believe in God.
I am believing in God.

Fit
This shoe fits me.
This shoe is fitting me.

Sound
This song sounds good.
This song is sounding good.

Remember
I remember everything.
I am remembering everything.