Action Verbs
Learn about verbs that show physical and mental actions
What Are Action Verbs?
Action verbs are words that express physical or mental actions. They show what the subject of a sentence is doing, thinking, or experiencing.
Unlike linking verbs (which connect subjects to descriptions), action verbs show movement, change, or activity that can be observed or imagined.
Types of Action Verbs
Physical Actions
Verbs that show visible movement
run, jump, swim, dance
write, read, cook, drive
climb, fall, push, pull
Mental Actions
Verbs that show thinking processes
think, believe, understand
remember, forget, imagine
decide, plan, consider
More Categories
Communication Actions
Verbs that involve speaking or writing
speak, talk, whisper, shout
explain, describe, announce
ask, answer, suggest, argue
Emotional Actions
Verbs that show feelings and emotions
love, hate, fear, worry
enjoy, appreciate, admire
trust, respect, care
Sensory Actions
Verbs that involve the five senses
see, hear, smell, taste, feel
observe, notice, detect
listen, watch, examine
Action vs. Linking Verbs
Action Verbs
Show what the subject does
The cat chases the mouse.
She studies hard.
They play soccer.
Linking Verbs
Connect subject to description
The cat is playful.
She feels tired.
They seem happy.
Interactive Quizzes
Quiz 1: Identify Action Verbs
Which words are action verbs?
1. "The bird flies high in the sky."
Answer: flies (action verb showing movement)
2. "She thinks about the problem."
Answer: thinks (action verb showing mental activity)
Quiz 2: Action vs. Linking
Classify each verb:
1. "The flowers smell wonderful."
Answer: smell (linking verb - connects flowers to wonderful)
2. "I smell the flowers."
Answer: smell (action verb - shows what I am doing)
Quiz 3: Verb Categories
Which category does each action verb belong to?
1. "whisper"
Answer: Communication Actions
2. "worry"
Answer: Emotional Actions
Quiz 4: Complete Sentences
Add appropriate action verbs:
1. The children _____ in the park.
Answer: play, run, jump, laugh (physical actions)
2. She _____ about her future.
Answer: thinks, worries, dreams, plans (mental actions)
Important Notes
• Action verbs can be in any tense (present, past, future) and can be modified by adverbs.
• Some verbs can function as both action and linking verbs depending on how they're used in a sentence.
• Action verbs make writing more dynamic and engaging by showing movement and activity.
• Use strong, specific action verbs instead of weak ones to make your writing more vivid.
Pro Tip
To identify action verbs, ask yourself: "What is the subject doing?" If you can answer with a specific action, it's an action verb. If you can only describe what the subject is like, it's probably a linking verb.