Action Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Action Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is an Action Verb?
Action Verb Definition: An Action Verb is a word that expresses physical or mental action. Action verbs tell us what the subject of the sentence is doing, has done, or will do.
Why are Action Verbs Important? They are the most common type of verbs and form the backbone of most sentences. Action verbs make our language dynamic and help us describe what's happening in the world around us.
Function in Grammar
Action verbs are the main verbs in sentences that show what the subject is doing. They can express both physical actions (run, jump, write) and mental actions (think, believe, understand). For example:
- Physical Actions: The cat jumps over the fence.
- Mental Actions: She thinks about the problem.
Action Verb vs Linking Verb: Action verbs show what the subject does, while linking verbs connect the subject to a description (is, are, was, were, become, seem).
Types of Action Verbs
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Actions | Movements and activities | run, jump, write, eat, dance |
| Mental Actions | Thinking and feeling | think, believe, understand, remember |
| Communication | Speaking and writing | speak, tell, explain, discuss |
| Creation | Making and building | create, build, make, design |
Action verbs can be categorized by the type of action they express.
📌 Action Verb Challenge!
Can you identify which words are action verbs in these sentences?
- The dog runs in the park.
- She thinks about her future.
- They build a house together.
Show Answers
- runs (physical action)
- thinks (mental action)
- build (creation action)
Examples of Action Verbs in Sentences
- The children play in the garden.
- She writes a letter to her friend.
- He thinks about the problem carefully.
- They build a new house.
- The bird flies high in the sky.
- We discuss the project details.
- She creates beautiful artwork.
- He runs five miles every morning.
- The students study for their exams.
- They cook dinner together.
- She dances gracefully on stage.
- He solves complex math problems.
- The team wins the championship.
- We explore the ancient ruins.
- She teaches English to children.
Notice how each action verb tells us what the subject is doing.
Action Verbs vs Linking Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Action Verb | Linking Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Shows action | Connects subject to description |
| Question | What does the subject do? | What is the subject like? |
| Example | She runs fast. | She is fast. |
| Common Words | run, jump, think, write | is, are, was, were, become |
Action verbs show what the subject does, while linking verbs connect the subject to a description.
Special Rules and Notes
- Transitive vs Intransitive: Action verbs can be transitive (take an object) or intransitive (don't take an object).
- Tense Forms: Action verbs change form to show different tenses (run, runs, ran, running).
- Progressive Tense: Action verbs can be used in progressive/continuous forms (is running, was thinking).
- Voice: Action verbs can be used in active and passive voice (The cat catches the mouse vs The mouse is caught by the cat).
- Modals: Action verbs can be combined with modal verbs (can run, should think, must study).
- Gerunds: Action verbs can be used as gerunds (Running is good exercise).
- Infinitives: Action verbs can be used as infinitives (I want to run, She likes to think).
- Adverbs: Action verbs are often modified by adverbs (runs quickly, thinks carefully).
Quick Quiz: Spot the Action Verb!
Which words are action verbs in these sentences?
- The children play in the garden.
- She writes a letter to her friend.
- He thinks about the problem carefully.
- They build a new house.
- The bird flies high in the sky.
- We discuss the project details.
- She creates beautiful artwork.
- He runs five miles every morning.
Answers: play, writes, thinks, build, flies, discuss, creates, runs
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- She is runs every morning. (Incorrect - mixing linking and action verb)
- They thinking about the problem. (Incorrect - missing auxiliary verb)
- He build a house last year. (Incorrect - wrong tense)
Show Corrected Sentences
- She runs every morning. (Use action verb directly)
- They are thinking about the problem. (Add auxiliary verb for progressive)
- He built a house last year. (Use past tense)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an action verb?
An action verb is a word that expresses physical or mental action. Action verbs tell us what the subject of the sentence is doing, has done, or will do. Examples include run, jump, think, write, and create.
What are examples of action verbs?
Examples include run, jump, write, think, create, build, dance, speak, study, cook, solve, win, explore, and teach. These verbs show what the subject is doing.
How do action verbs differ from linking verbs?
Action verbs show what the subject does (She runs fast), while linking verbs connect the subject to a description (She is fast). Action verbs express activity, while linking verbs express state or condition.
Can action verbs be both physical and mental?
Yes, action verbs can express both physical actions (run, jump, dance) and mental actions (think, believe, understand, remember). Both types show what the subject is doing.
How do you identify an action verb in a sentence?
Ask "What is the subject doing?" If you can answer this question, you've found an action verb. Action verbs show movement, activity, or mental processes.
What is the difference between transitive and intransitive action verbs?
Transitive action verbs require a direct object (She wrote a letter), while intransitive action verbs do not require an object (He runs). Some action verbs can be both transitive and intransitive.
Can action verbs be used in all tenses?
Yes, action verbs can be used in all tenses: present (I run), past (I ran), future (I will run), and perfect tenses (I have run). They are very versatile in expressing time.
Why are action verbs important?
Action verbs are the most common type of verbs and form the backbone of most sentences. They make our language dynamic and help us describe what's happening in the world around us.
Conclusion
Understanding action verbs is fundamental to mastering English grammar. These verbs are the engines that drive our sentences, showing what subjects do, think, or experience. Always remember that action verbs can express both physical and mental activities, and they can be identified by asking "What is the subject doing?" Pay attention to how they change form for different tenses and how they work with objects and adverbs. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to express actions in English!