23 - English Action and State verbs / Have Been + V. ING

In English language there are verbs that are not normally used in the Continuous Tense, because they describe rather state than an action. They are called State Verb (stative verbs, non-progressive verbs).

Here are some verbs that are not normally used in the Continuous Tense:

	like	dislike	love	hate
	prefer	remember	forget	believe
	mean	seem	understand	want
	need	know	belong	own

The verbs that can be used in the Continuous Tense are called Action Verbs (dynamic verbs).

Some verbs can be both state and action verbs depending on their meaning:

I think you made a mistake. (think = believe) / I am thinking about my mum now. (think = mental process)

I have two cars. (have = possess, own)  /  I am having my lunch now. (have = eat)

I see what you mean.    See = understand  /  I am seeing my friend tomorrow evening. (see = meeting with)

HAVE BEEN + V. ING

I have been dancing at the party last night since two o´clock.

I have danced at the party last night since two o´clock

Sam has been having his car for two years.

Sam has had his car for two years. 
 

Steven Spielberg has been directing 20 movies since 1970. (No se pueden dirigir 20 películas a la vez)

Steven Spielberg has directed 20 films since 1970.