0
PonyFan Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Present continuous for stative verbs
"Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard."
Could you tell me the reason why present continuous is chosen in the sentence? I was taught that stative verbs like have, know in present continuous was normally ungrammatical so I'd like to know the reason of the exception. Thanks in advance!
The line is quoted from in 02:20
The transcript is in http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/Transcripts/Friendship_is_Magic,_part_1
Could you tell me the reason why present continuous is chosen in the sentence? I was taught that stative verbs like have, know in present continuous was normally ungrammatical so I'd like to know the reason of the exception. Thanks in advance!
The line is quoted from in 02:20
The transcript is in http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/Transcripts/Friendship_is_Magic,_part_1
Top answer
PonyFan I was taught that stative verbs like have, know in present continuous was normally ungrammatical so I'd like to know the reason of the exception. This is one of the great over-simplifications that is inflicted on learners. Many verbs which you find listed as 'stative' can be used with a dynamic meaning.
- PonyFan I was taught that stative verbs like have, know in present continuous was normally ungrammatical so I'd like to know the reason of the exception.
- This is one of the great over-simplifications that is inflicted on learners.
- Many verbs which you find listed as 'stative' can be used with a dynamic meaning.
- She's having a party / a bath / a good time / dinner.
- John is being rather naughty.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
6 Answers
0
PonyFanI was taught that stative verbs like have, know in present continuous was normally ungrammatical so I'd like to know the reason of the exception.This is one of the great over-simplifications that is inflicted on learners. Many verbs which you find listed as 'stative' can be used with a dynamic meaning.
She's having a party / a bath / a good
00
So is what the present continuous of my quotation expresses that the get-together Moondancer held is open at the time where the speaker is saying "Moondancer is having a little get-together..."?
00
PonyFanCould you tell me the reason why present continuous is chosen in the sentence?It's not stative there. You have to consider the whole predicate, not just the verb.
to have three brothers - stative
This just shows a relationship, which is 'static' (unchanging).
to have a party - not stative
'have' is used to mean something like
00
PonyFanSo is what the present continuous of my quotation expresses that the get-together Moondancer held is open at the time where the speaker is saying "Moondancer is having a little get-together..."?There is not enough context in just those words to be sure. She may be holding her get-together at the moment of speaking, or she may have arranged to hold it a
00
Thank you kindly, CJ for answering my question:) Your answer is an answer for my question "Why is 'I'm having a problem" grammatical?' at the same time!
00
Related Questions