Stative verb

Question

How can we express the sense of continuity while using stative verbs like "understand" and "love" ?Can we say "I have been loving you for years now" ?

Mr. Tom · Accepted Answer

Hi Debpriaya

As a non-native speaker, my understanding is:

In special contexts almost all stative verbs can be used as present participles.

I was hoping that...

Yes, I'm understanding you but...

Let's see what a native speaker has to say about it.

Tom

CalifJim · Answer

Debpriya DeHow can we express the sense of continuity while using stative verbs like "understand" and "love" ?

When you use any stative verb, you are already expressing the sense of continuity. One of the defining characteristics of a stative verb is that it expresses a state, which is inherently continuous. When you understand, for example, you understand continuously. Your understanding doesn't go on and off as if controlled by a light switch.

Debpriya DeCan we say "I have been loving you for years now" ?

It is sufficient to say, "I have loved you for years". "have been loving" may erroneously suggest that the loving is sporadic and/or intermittent, as in "I have been having headaches all this month."

CJ

Lagataw · Answer

How would you explain...NBA's I am loving this game. And McDonald's I'm Lovin it?

Do they mean changes or a continuing processes as in The population is rising?

Does I am loving it mean I didn't love it at first and now I'm starting to love it?...or it is just the same as I love it?

CalifJim · Answer

The use of love in the progressive is a relatively recent addition to English and is still, I think, somewhat like slang, not "proper English". In such contexts loving means "thoroughly enjoying".

It has nothing to do with starting to love something.

It means almost the same thing as "I love it", but it is a more intense and enthusiastic kind of love.

CJ

Stative verb

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