States and the Progressive
Most stative situations are in general incompatible with the progressive. Permanent qualities such as be tall, be red and relations expressed by such verbs as own, belong, seem are conceptualized in English as invariable and therefore non-dynamic. When normally stative verbs are used with the Progressive the situation is viewed as a temporary state, often with the implication of a type of behavior or stance, as in 1b. Compare:
1a *You are being tall, George. 1b You are being far too optimistic, George.
The stative meanings of verbs such as see, hear (involuntary perception), like, love, hate (affectivity) and know, believe, understand, wonder (cognition) are in general incompatible with the progressive. However, many such verbs have taken on dynamic uses and these admit the progressive, as in the following examples:
I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow. (= consulting) (programmed event)
Janet is seeing her friends off. (= taking leave of)
They were seeing so much of each other, he was almost one of the family.
How are you liking your visit to Disneyland? (= enjoying)
Pat: Oh, I’m just loving it./I’m enjoying it. Ben: Frankly, I’m hating it.
