Mental States
Indicating thinking, cognition and attitude
States of Mind vs. Active Thinking
| MENTAL STATES AND ATTITUDES | MENTAL ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
Mental stative verbs refer to passive states of cognition (thinking, knowing, perception) about the surrounding world. They normally use nonprogressive verb forms. |
These look-alike verbs indicate dynamic verbs for thinking and cognition. They may take progressive verb forms. |
He knows what he needs to do. |
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He believes he is right. |
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He thinks (that) he can win. |
He is thinking about winning. (ongoing mental activity) |
He understands the problem. |
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He recognizes the difficulties. |
He is recognizing the faces of his friends who are grown up now. (ongoing mental activity – processing) |
He remembers everything that happened. |
He is remembering his childhood. (ongoing mental activity) |
He wants to graduate from college. |
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They need help to finish. |
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He loves her. NOT He is loving her. |
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He misses her. (feels sad without her) |
I am missing my favorite pair of shoes. (Can't remember where I put them.) |
He hates living in the city. |
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He appreciates what you have done. |
Our house is appreciating. gaining value (a business term) |
He likes attending school. not: He is liking school. |
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I feel (that) the "death sentence" is wrong. (feel = think ) |
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*How are you liking your new school? (This is an informal expression that is gaining favor in usage.)
**I feel strongly about his issue. (This is informal use.) See Sensory States - feel
Coke—"I'm loving it"
Expressions — Wrong or Right?
| EXPRESSION | COMMENTS |
|---|---|
Language is constantly changing. The examples below have been in use since the 1980s (or earlier.) |
On the one hand, the informality may be appealing to the customer, putting the customer at ease. On the other hand, the informality may be annoying to the customer, showing the other person's lack of education. |
How are you liking your food? (emphasizes the ongoing sensory experience) |
How do you like your food. (No amount of time will change whether you do or do not like it.) |
McDonald's International branding: i'm lovin' it! |
I love it. |
Pop-Q "Liking"
Practice
States of Thinking
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