Action Verb - A Thorough Guide

What is an action verb? An action verb is a type of verb that shows the physical or mental action performed by the subject of a sentence. The best tip to identify an action verb is to make sure the movement of either the body or mind. Action verbs can be transitive or intransitive. Action verbs are contrasted and compared with stative or state verbs.

Continue to read to learn action verb definition and types and comparison with different other types of verb along with easy example sentences. 

This article covers:

• Action Verb - Definition and Meaning 
• Action Verb Examples 
• Types of Action Verb with Examples 
• Action Verb and State Verb (comparison and example)
• Action Verb and Non-action Verb (comparison and example)
• Action Verb and Helping Verbs (comparison and example)
• Action Verb Vs Linking Verb (comparison and example) 
• FAQs - Action Verb

Action Verb - Definition and Meaning 

What does an action verb mean? The word "action" in the phrase "action verb" refers to the movement of the body or mind, while "verb" means some activity performed by the subject. So, the action verb means a verb that shows the activity performed by the subject.

The definition of an action verb is that it expresses action which can be either physical or mental. Look at the below-given definition of action given by the Merriam-Webster:

• Merriam-Webster defines the action verb as "a verb that expresses action."

To exemplify the definition, the dictionary then lists two action verbs: "drive" and "think". The action verb "drive" refers to the movement of the body parts to get the car go, whereas "think" refers to the movement of our brain to ponder about different aspects of something.

Let's have a look at the following example sentences where action verbs are used with their respective subjects which perform them.

Action Verb Examples in Sentences

1. John runs fast.

2. He speaks English.

3. They will think about it.

4. Why did you fight with him?

5. He is writing a letter to her.

6. John teaches phonetics.

7. He can swim.

8. I don't go to school.

9. She is reading a novel.

10. He is washing clothes.

Types of Action Verb with Examples 

There are mainly two types of action verbs in English. The types of action verbs include:

1. Transitive verb: a transitive verb is a type of action verb that needs a direct object which receives the action performed by the subject as in "John beats his son."

Also read: transitive verb

2. Intransitive verb: An intransitive verb is a type of action verb that does not need a direct object as in "John goes to school."

Also read: intransitive verb

Comparing Different Types of Verbs

It's a fact that you can best understand something by understanding its opposites. So, to know "what it is", you need to know "what it is not". Here is the comparison of action verb with other types of verb.

Action Verb and State Verb or Non-action Verbs

An action verb expresses an action performed by the subject of a sentence, whereas a state verb or stative verb or non-action verb expresses a state, not an action. 

Examples of Action Verbs:

a. I walked to the room.

b. They took money from him.

Examples of State Verbs:

a. I know him.

b. They believe in God.

Action Verb and Helping Verbs

An action verb directly expresses an action, whereas a helping verb helps a main verb to express mood, tense or voice.

Examples of Action Verbs:

a. He eats a mango.

b. John prepares meal.

Examples of Helping Verbs:

a. John is eating a mango.

b. They are talking about you.

Action Verb Vs Linking Verb

Action verbs express the activities performed by the subject of a sentence, whereas a linking verb is a type of verb that connects a predicate noun or predicate adjective to its subject.

Examples of Action Verbs:

a. She beat her students.

b. The bike hit the car.

Examples of Linking Verbs:

a. He is John

b. You are handsome.

 

FAQs - Action Verb 

What is an action verb?

According to the Merriam-Webster, an action verb is a type of verb that "expresses action." Examples of action verbs include drive, think, speak, write, go, come, do, etc.

Define action verb

An action verb is a type of verb that shows the physical or mental action performed by the subject of a sentence.

How many types of action verb are there?

There are two types of action verbs. An action verb can be a transitive verb or intransitive verb. A transitive action requires a direct object, whereas an intransitive action verb doesn't.

10 examples of action verb in sentences 

1. John runs fast.

2. He speaks English.

3. They will think about it.

4. Why did you fight with him?

5. He is writing a letter to her.

6. John teaches phonetics.

7. He can swim.

8. I don't go to school.

9. She is reading a novel.

10. He is washing clothes.

Is "is" an action verb?

No, "is" is not an action verb. "is" can be used as a helping or linking verb as in "She is beautiful."

Is "are" an action verb?

No, "are" is not an action verb. "are" can be used as helping or linking verb as in "You are handsome."

Is "have" an action verb?

"Have" can be used as both an action verb and helping verb as in "I have had breakfast."

Is "need" an action verb?

The verb "need" can be used as both an action verb and modal verb "We need it very much."

Is "get" an action verb?

Yes, "get" can be an action verb in the sense of "to acquire"

Is "go" an action verb?

Yes, "go" is an action verb as in "You go to school."

Is "make" an action verb?

Yes, "make" can be used as an action verb in the sense of "to prepare something"

Is "want" an action verb?

No, it is not an action verb.

Is "like" an action verb?

No, it is not an action verb.