6.2.5. The temporariness of the stative verb The stative verbs are not usually used with the progressive form since this form expresses the durative act. But that can be used for the temporary meaning. It is explained in this section. (21) a. I live in Hakodate. b. I am living in Hakodate. (21a) means the speaker lives in Hakodate now and this continues up to the future, that is, it is habitual. (21b) means s/he lives now but will move in a few days, that is, it is temporary. (22) a. You're just hearing things. b. He is dead drunk and is seeing pink elephants now. These use the perception verbs which are not used with the progressive form. (22a) means s/he hear it once and (22b) means he sees it for a while. However, it is impossible to use if we can not consider it as the temporariness, for example, a large building etc. See the following examples. (23) a. The building stands over the river. b.*The building is standing over the river. (23b) is unacceptable. The next examples are the same. (24) a. The old castle stands on the hill. b.*The old castle is standing on the hill. (24b) is unacceptable. If we feel that it can be moved, the progressive form is used. See the following examples. (25) a. The bicycle was sitting in the garden. b. The bookcase was standing in the room.

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