Is that correct?

[Alexander]

Is this sentence correct?
I have been liking to study English.

I Know that verbs like: want, love, prefer, need, hate, know, mean, like, understand, forget and others should not be used in the continuous form; However, I have seen many times verbs like that in the –ing form.

So, when and how can I use these verbs in the continuous form??

[JRiddy]

To answer your question, the sentence "I have been liking to study English," is technically possible, but it sounds strange to my ears.

For one thing, when using a continuous form of a verb, it is better to use the gerund (-ing) form as the verbal compliment than the infinitive (to [verb]). For example, "I have been liking studying English," sounds a little better, but still not good. "I've been ejoying studying English" sounds best, if you want to use the continuous.

The verbs you listed can be used in the continuous form, but that usage is much rarer than with other verbs. Perfect-continuous ("have been doing"), however, is extremely rare with those verbs.

Most verbs in English, unlike the ones you listed, express actions. In this case, the usual punctilliar-continuous distinction expresses the difference between habitual or universal action and current action. Example:

"I play basketball." -- means -- "I regularly or habitually participate in the game of basketball."

"I'm playing basketball." -- means -- "I am involved in the game right now."

With stative verbs (like the ones you listed), there's no directly related action to be engaged in. When you make one an -ing verb, you "activate" the verb, giving it a slightly different meaning. Often, the -ing form is much more colloquial or regional. You would do well to avoid its use with those verbs alltogether, but just in case your interested.

Examples:

Like
"I like this music." -- means -- "I habitually like this music."

"I'm liking this music." -- means -- "Right now, I am finding pleasure in this music," with strong emphasis on the very immediate or current nature of this action.

Want
"I'm wanting some food." --- very colloquial and informal

Prefer -- I cannot think of an example where "I am prefering" sounds good.

Need
"I need to wash my car." -- The need will not be satisfied until it is met.

"I'm needing to wash my car." -- emphasis on the immediacy of the need

Have
Continuous never used when it means possession. "I have a ball."
"I'm having a ball," is an idiomatic expression for "I'm having fun."


The general rule is that -ing forms give a sense of "right now" to the verb. Sometimes it changes the meaning slightly or idiomatically. Be careful with it.

Lastly, remember that these rules only apply when using the -ing form as a verb. As a gerund or particple these forms are in very common use.
Ex:

"You Make Loving Fun" (name of a song by Fleetwood Mac)
"Having 3 children is a full-time job."
"Knowing that he was almost out of gas, he stopped at the gas station to fill up."

I hope that helps clear things up.

Regards,

J Riddy