Dynamic verbs, can be used in the simple and perfect forms, for example: plays, played, has played, had played, as well as the continuous or progressive forms, for example: is playing, was playing, has been playing, had been playing.
The progressive forms occur only with dynamic verbs, that is, with verbs that show qualities capable of change as opposed to stative verbs, which show qualities not capable of change.
Sometimes verbs can be used in progressive forms when they have certain meanings. In another meaning it is not possible to use them in progressive forms.
For example:
| Verb |
Simple Forms |
Progressive Forms |
| feel (to have an opinion) |
I feel I should go on holiday. |
--- |
| feel (to feel sth.) |
How do you feel when you are on holiday? |
How are you feeling today? |
| have (to possess) |
I have a new computer. |
--- |
| have (to eat) |
I always have a cola for lunch. |
I am having dinner right now. |
| see (to understand) |
Oh, I see. |
--- |
| see (to meet someone) |
I often see Mandy at the disco. |
I am seeing Peter tonight. |
| think (to believe) |
I think you should see a doctor. |
--- |
| think (to think about) |
I have to think about it. |
I am thinking about my girlfriend now. |