some random questions about progressive tense

Question

As an non-native English speaker, I was taught that state verbs cannot be progressive in most cases, like want, love, like or hate(and teachers also told me McDonalds' "I'm lovin it'" is not proper English)

But I still do not understand why it is so. Right now I feel a certain desire for something, so I am wanting it.
I am looking at my girlfriend, and she's just lovely as ever. So I am loving her.

I'm still not sure... does anyone have a good explanation?

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

It is generally true to say that states are rarely thought of as having a limited duration; progressive forms are therefore not usually appropriate for talking of states.

However, some verbs which are generally be used of states can be used of more limited-duration situations. "I'm loving it" for example has always been used in this way; it is similar in meaning to "I am enjoying it".. Teachers who were too dependent on course-book claims that 'verbs of emotion' cannot be used in progressive forms were a little upset when McDonalds created that slogan. Instead of realising that the course-book claims might be only a guideline rather than an absolute rule, some unwisely said that the McDonalds slogan was incorrect English. It was not!

It is just about possible to say "I am wanting", though this is not common. To say of a person "I am loving her" would sound strange. It would suggest that the love was of very limited duration.

Although we can come up with situations in which it possible to use a so-called state verb in a progressive form, learners would be well advised not to try this until they have heard native speakers doing so.

some random questions about progressive tense

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬