Neil.

Hello.

In this programme, we're talking about state verbs.

We'll explain what they are will show you how to use them.

We'll give you lots of examples and will finish with a quiz to see what you've learned.

So let's get started.

We can separate English verbs into two groups.

State verbs on dhe action verbs.

Most foods are action verbs and, of course, action.

Verbs describe actions, so verbs like go kick watch rain, our roll action verbs on.

We can use them in any tense we want past, present Future perfect passive continuous.

The lot.

Yes, but state verbs are different because we don't usually use them in the continuous tenses.

That's right.

We don't use state verbs.

Intense is that used the I N.

G form, such as the present continuous and the past continuous.

Right now you're probably asking, what kind of verbs are state verbs?

Well, there are three main types.

The first type verbs up describe feelings and attitudes such as love, hate, lake and prefer.

Here's hurry with an example.

What's this music I like it.

Thanks.

Hurry.

In that example, Harry's talking about his feelings now, but he doesn't say I'm liking it.

No, I'm liking is the present continuous tense on with state verbs That's usually wrong.

Will say a bit more about this later on.

But the general rule is used the present simple for verbs of feelings like love like and hate.

Now, for the second type of state verb, that's verbs off thinking.

So verbs like think no, believe, understand.

Remember, Here are some examples I believe Andrews living in Dubai now.

Do you remember if he's married?

Good.

In this example, Harry's using the present simple tents with the verbs.

Believe and remember, you can't use them in the continuous and the third group of state verbs are verbs that describes senses verbs like See smell, taste here and sound.

Another example.

Please, Harry, What are you eating?

It smells delicious.

So Harry says it smells delicious and not it's smelling delicious.

Exactly.

That would be wrong, because smell is a state verb.

It is.

And as well as these three main tapes, there are some other common state verbs, for example, have own, belong, want need I mean cost seem appear on Dhe wish.

Well, that's quite a lot of verbs to remember.

But one way to decide if a verb it's a state verb is to ask yourself, Does it describe an action?

Good tip?

And if the answer is no, it doesn't.

Then it's probably a state verb.

Six minutes from BBC learning english dot com on We're looking at ST Verbs.

OK, so far.

Good now, a couple of points to make.

Yes, a few verbs can have two meanings in one meaning there an action verb so you can use them in the present, continuous but in the other, meaning their state verbs.

So you can't use the continuous tense.

Some examples.

Please hurry.

Mick looks like his sister on DDE Mix looking at his sister.

Thanks.

So in the first example, Mick looks like his sister.

Look is a state verb.

We're talking about mixed appearance, not his actions, but in the second example, mixed looking at his sister mix, doing something.

So in this sentence, look is an action verb.

Another verb with two meanings like this is have.

For example, I have a cat, but I'm having a bath and think Listen, I think your right, but I'm thinking of going to Spain on DL.

The sense verbs can have two meanings to another example.

Harry, can you see that man on DDE?

I'm seeing the doctor right now.

Do you remember we said it's wrong to say I'm liking it because it's the present.

Continuous.

Well, you might hear this sometimes in very informal spoken English.

Or you might hear I'm hating this movie or I'm loving your work, but only in very informal conversations.

Thanks for that, Neil.

I'm loving your explanations on Now it's quiz time.

Are these sentences correct or wrong?

Number one.

Do you prefer jazz or rock music?

And that is correct.

Prefer is a state verb, so we use the present simple tents.

Do you prefer well done?

Number two.

Are you belonging to the football club?

That's not correct.

Belong is a state verb.

We have to say, Do you belong not?

Are you belonging on number three?

I'm having lunch with Kate today, and that is correct.

Have is an action verb here, so it's fine to use the present continuous tense in this sentence.

I'm having means I'm eating well done if you got them.

All right.

There's more about this on our website at BBC learning english dot com Join us again for more six minute grammar.

Bye bye bye.