How to resolve the problem of identifying the stative verbs?
In my Gramma book I have a task to put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (Past Continuous or Past Indefenite). There is a sentence:
"I ________(look) out the window. The car ________(stand) where I ________(leave) it"
My version is:
"I looked out the window. The car was standing where I left it"
But my version is wrong, and in the keys to this task correct sentence looks like below:
"I looked out the window. The car stood where I left it"
If I undestand rightly, I have a problem with identifying stative verbs, so I confuse stative verbse and active verbs. And I incorrectly put the stative verb "stand" into the Continuous form.
Can somebody confirm my mistake? Am I right?
So, If It's true, can somebody give me advice how exactly identify the stative verbs? Maybe there's a some efficient trick/method to recognize and separate stative verbs?

Question

How to resolve the problem of identifying the stative verbs?
In my Gramma book I have a task to put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (Past Continuous or Past Indefenite). There is a sentence:
"I ________(look) out the window. The car ________(stand) where I ________(leave) it"
My version is:
"I looked out the window. The car was standing where I left it"
But my version is wrong, and in the keys to this task correct sentence looks like below:
"I looked out the window. The car stood where I left it"
If I undestand rightly, I have a problem with identifying stative verbs, so I confuse stative verbse and active verbs. And I incorrectly put the stative verb "stand" into the Continuous form. 
Can somebody confirm my mistake? Am I right?
So, If It's true, can somebody give me advice how exactly identify the stative verbs? Maybe there's a some efficient trick/method to recognize and separate stative verbs?

Answer

I think you need to change your 'Gramma' book. One with an 'r' at the end might be more useful ;)

Seriously, though, I think there is a problem with this book of yours. It's fine to say "The car was standing where I left it". In fact, your answer sounds more natural than the one which the book gives.

Answer

Hi Max.
Two sentences are right all.
If you  are saying for  past  duration,
   I looked out the window. The car was standing where i left it.  ---  True
But you are saying just past ,
   I looked out the window. The car stood where i left it.  ---  True
Thanks.

Answer

Hi Cris!. Thank you! You give me a valuable advice regarding existance of "Blue Murphy associated supplemental exercises book". I have "Blue Murphy. A self-sdudy reference and practice book", but I didn't suspect than there is book mentioned above. I'll surely buy this book and resume my sdudy with it.
Thank you very much!

Answer

Another vote for a better grammar book.  English Grammar in Use by Murphy and the associated supplemental exercises book are excellent.

Answers · 7

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