Seagull Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Stative verbs/ the present progressive
Regarding the four sentences below:
(A) These days, more and more people keep reptiles as pets.
(B) These days, more and more people have reptiles as pets.
(C) These days, more and more people are keeping reptiles as pets.
(D) These days, more and more people are having reptiles as pets.
I think that there is no problem with (A) and (B), but I don't think (C) and (D) are right. Stative verbs cannot be used in the progressive tense, and the rule holds true of this case, too. Is my understanding correct?
(A) These days, more and more people keep reptiles as pets.
(B) These days, more and more people have reptiles as pets.
(C) These days, more and more people are keeping reptiles as pets.
(D) These days, more and more people are having reptiles as pets.
I think that there is no problem with (A) and (B), but I don't think (C) and (D) are right. Stative verbs cannot be used in the progressive tense, and the rule holds true of this case, too. Is my understanding correct?
Top answer
(D) is incorrect usage. (C) is OK, since "keep" can be dynamic. Keep = take care of
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(D) is incorrect usage.
(C) is OK, since "keep" can be dynamic. Keep = take care of
(C) is OK, since "keep" can be dynamic. Keep = take care of
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seagullI understand. Thank you so much indeed, AlpheccaStars.Still, the simple present is a better choice.
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Many thanks for your additional comment.
I'll bear your advice in mind.
I'll bear your advice in mind.
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