Episode 2: I Think vs I’m Thinking
Stative verbs: exceptions β RenΓ© Descartes, 1637 (B1-B2)
Grammar Box
Meaning: Some stative verbs like “think” can be continuous when they mean “considering” rather than “believing.”
Form: I think (believe/opinion) vs I’m thinking (considering/processing)
Example 1: “I think chocolate is delicious.” (opinion, not continuous)
Example 2: “I’m thinking about changing careers.” (active consideration, can be continuous)
Common mistake: Wrong: “I’m knowing the answer.” Better: “I know the answer.” (knowledge can’t be continuous)
The Challenge
Luna sat with her coffee, lost in contemplation about whether to apply for a new job. “I think about this every day,” she said aloud. Professor Wisdom appeared, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Do you merely have an opinion about it, or are you actively considering it right now?” Luna’s brow furrowed, realizing the distinction mattered more than she’d imagined. The watch glowed, and they found themselves in a quiet Dutch study where philosophical revolution was taking shape.
The Journey
RenΓ© Descartes sat alone in his modest room in the Netherlands in 1637, deliberately questioning everything he had ever believed to be true. This French philosopher and mathematician had spent years developing a method of radical doubt, stripping away all assumptions until he reached something absolutely certain. His fireplace crackled softly as he wrote words that would echo through centuries of philosophy.
Outside, the Dutch winter pressed against the windows, but inside his mind, Descartes was conducting the most rigorous examination possible of human knowledge and consciousness. He had abandoned the comfort of accepted wisdom, choosing instead the difficult path of fundamental questioning. His contemporaries thought him mad for doubting even basic mathematical truths, yet this systematic doubt led him to his most famous insight.
“I’m thinking,” he wrote in Latin, then paused to consider the full implication of this simple statement. Not “I think this is true” as an opinion, but the active, ongoing process of thought itself as proof of existence. The distinction was crucial: the continuous action of thinking became his foundation for certainty in an uncertain world.
The smell of burning candle wax mixed with ink as he crafted his revolutionary phrase: “Cogito, ergo sum” β I think, therefore I am. But in that moment of writing, he was actively thinking, processing, considering the profound implications of consciousness itself. His quill scratched against parchment, recording not just an idea but the very act of having ideas.
Luna watched as Descartes smiled faintly, recognizing he had found something unshakeable: the undeniable reality of his own thinking mind.
The Deep Dive
Stative verbs typically describe states of being rather than actions, which is why we don’t usually use them in continuous forms. However, verbs like “think,” “have,” and “see” can shift between stative and dynamic meanings. “I think it’s cold” expresses a belief or opinion (stative), while “I’m thinking about the problem” describes active mental processing (dynamic).
This flexibility creates important nuances in communication. “What do you think?” asks for your opinion, while “What are you thinking?” invites you to share your current thought process. Similarly, “I have a car” states possession (stative), but “I’m having dinner” describes an experience in progress (dynamic). The context determines whether the verb functions as a state or an action.
Common errors occur when learners apply continuous forms to truly stative meanings. Never say “I’m knowing,” “I’m believing,” or “I’m understanding” when describing states of knowledge or belief. Reserve continuous forms for when these verbs genuinely describe active processes: thinking through problems, considering options, or seeing (meeting) people in a social context.
More Examples
History: “Newton said, ‘I think the apple falls due to gravity'” (belief) vs “I’m thinking about gravity’s nature” (active consideration)
Science: “Scientists think this theory is correct” (opinion) vs “They’re thinking about alternative explanations” (considering)
Everyday: “I think you’re right” (agreement) vs “I’m thinking we should leave early” (considering plans)
Formal: “The board thinks this proposal has merit” (collective belief) vs “We’re thinking about implementation strategies” (active planning)
Informal: “I think pizza sounds good” (preference) vs “I’m thinking what to order” (deciding)
Contrast: “I have two sisters” (state) vs “I’m having a great time” (experiencing)
Practice & Reflection
Exercises:
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Fill in the blank: Right now, I __ (think) about my future career, not just having opinions about it.
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Correct the mistake: “I’m believing that education is important.”
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Choose and explain: Which is correct for stating an opinion?
a) “I’m thinking this movie is boring.”
b) “I think this movie is boring.” -
Rewrite: Change from opinion to active consideration: “I think about my parents often.”
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Compare: Explain: “Do you see what I mean?” vs “Are you seeing anyone these days?”
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Your reflection: Write two sentences using “think” β one for belief, one for active consideration.
Answer Key:
1. am thinking (active process happening now)
2. I believe that education is important (belief is stative, can’t be continuous)
3. (b) β stating opinion requires simple present, not continuous
4. I’m thinking about my parents right now (shows active contemplation)
5. First = understand (stative); second = dating (dynamic action)
6. Check: Does one use simple present for opinion, continuous for active thinking?
The Lesson
Back in her kitchen, Luna smiled with new clarity. “I think this job could be good for me, but right now I’m thinking about all the factors involved,” she told Professor Wisdom. “Exactly,” he replied warmly. “Descartes discovered that the act of thinking proves our existence. You’ve just discovered that the grammar we choose reveals whether we’re stating beliefs or actively processing thoughts. Both matter, but knowing which you’re doing makes all the difference.”