Grammar basics
Stative verbs
A stative verb shows a state, not an action: a feeling, a thought, or owning something. We usually don't use it with -ing.
Kinds of states
| Kind | Examples |
|---|---|
| Feelings | like, love, hate, want, need |
| Thinking | know, understand, believe, remember |
| Owning | have, own, belong |
No -ing (usually)
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| I am knowing the answer. | I know the answer. |
| I am wanting a coffee. | I want a coffee. |
| She is understanding the problem. | She understands the problem. |
Some verbs can be both
I have a car is a state (owning), so no -ing. But I'm having lunch is an action (eating), so -ing is fine. Look at the meaning, not only the word.
Know
verb/noʊ/ไทยรู้
To have information in your mind.
I know a lot about Django now.
Like
verb/laɪk/ไทยชอบ
To think something is nice or good.
I like spicy food.
Want
verb/wɑːnt/ไทยต้องการ, อยาก
To wish to have or do something.
I want to build my own AI tool.
Need
verb/niːd/ไทยต้องการ, จำเป็นต้องมี
To have to get or do something because it is important.
I need more practice with speaking.
Understand
verb/ˌʌndərˈstænd/ไทยเข้าใจ
To know what something means.
Do you understand this error message?
Belong
verb/bɪˈlɔːŋ/ไทยเป็นของ
To be owned by someone. We say belong to.
This laptop belongs to my company.