Stative Verbs with a Change in Meaning: Part 2

Stative verbs describe a state rather than an action. Some stative verbs change meaning depending on whether they are used in a continuous form or a simple form. Understanding these changes helps express ideas more clearly. 1. Remember State: To retain something in memory. I remember her name. (I have it in my memory.) Action: To actively recall or try to bring something to mind. I am remembering all the details of the story. (The process of recalling.) 2. Forget State: To lack memory of something. I forget his address. (I don't remember it.) Action: To fail to bring something to mind at a particular moment. I am forgetting where I put my keys. (The process of forgetting is happening.) 3. Believe State: To hold a conviction or think something is true. I believe in honesty. (I think it is true or right.) Action: To be in the process of forming or considering a belief. I am believing what she says more and more. (Gradually starting to believe.) 4. Wish State: To have a desire or hope for something that is unlikely. I wish I could fly. (A desire or longing.) Action: To actively express a hope or desire. I am wishing you all the best for your trip. (Actively expressing a wish.) 5. Mind State: To care about something or be bothered by it. I don't mind the noise. (I am not bothered by it.) Action: To be in the process of taking care or paying attention. Are you minding the baby right now? (Actively taking care.) 6. Own State: To possess something. She owns a car. (State of possession.) Action: To actively take responsibility or acknowledge possession. He is owning up to his mistakes. (Taking responsibility.) 7. Weigh State: To have a particular weight. The box weighs 5 kilograms. (State of its weight.) Action: To measure weight or consider carefully. She is weighing the apples. (Act of measuring weight.) I am weighing my options for the future. (Considering carefully.)