{"id":580856,"date":"2023-09-18T10:17:54","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T08:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.nl\/?p=580856"},"modified":"2023-09-25T11:41:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T09:41:02","slug":"action-verb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.com\/verbs\/action-verb\/","title":{"rendered":"Action Verbs | Definition, List & Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"

An action verb<\/strong> (also called a dynamic verb<\/strong>) describes the action that the subject<\/a> of the sentence performs (e.g., \u201cI\u00a0 run\u201d).<\/p>\n

Action verbs differ from stative verbs, which describe a state of being (e.g., \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cwant\u201d).<\/p>\n

Examples: Action verbs<\/figcaption>We traveled<\/strong> to Spain last summer.<\/p>\n

My grandfather walks <\/strong>with a stick.<\/p>\n

The train arrived<\/strong> on time.<\/p>\n

I ate<\/strong> a sandwich for lunch.<\/figure>\n

You can download our list of common action verbs in the format of your choice below.<\/p>\n

Download PDF list<\/a> Download Google Docs list<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What is an action verb?<\/h2>\n

An action verb is a type of verb that describes the action that the subject of a sentence is performing. Action verbs can refer to both physical<\/span> and mental<\/span>\u00a0actions (i.e., internal processes and actions related to thinking, perceiving, or feeling).<\/p>\n

Examples: Physical and mental action verbs<\/figcaption>We climbed<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0to the highest peak.<\/p>\n

Whitney analyzed<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0the data to find patterns.<\/p>\n

He played<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0football in high school.<\/p>\n

Toddlers learn<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0new things every day.<\/figure>\n

How to use action verbs<\/h2>\n

Action verbs can be transitive or intransitive. Transitive verbs<\/a> require a direct object<\/span>, such as a noun<\/a> or pronoun<\/a>, that receives the action. Without a direct object, sentences with a transitive verb are vague or incomplete.<\/p>\n

Examples: Transitive action verbs<\/figcaption>Jack pushed<\/strong> another kid<\/span>\u00a0at the schoolyard.<\/p>\n

Can I borrow <\/strong>this book<\/span>?<\/figure>\n

In contrast, intransitive verbs<\/a> do not <\/strong>require a direct object that receives the action of the verb. However, other information may come after the verb, such as an adverb<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Examples: Intransitive action verbs<\/figcaption>The dog ran.<\/strong><\/p>\n

They complain<\/strong> frequently.<\/figure>\n

Some action verbs can act as both transitive<\/span> and intransitive<\/span>\u00a0verbs.<\/p>\n

Examples: Action verbs that can be either transitive or intransitive<\/figcaption>My neighbor plays<\/span>\u00a0drums every morning.
\nThe kids can play<\/span>\u00a0outside today.<\/p>\n

He grows<\/span>\u00a0tomatoes on his balcony.
\nMy niece is growing<\/span> quickly.<\/figure>\n

Note<\/figcaption>Because action verbs make your writing more vivid, they can be effectively used for resume writing. Unlike generic phrases like \u201cresponsible for,\u201d \u201ctasked with,\u201d or \u201cexperienced in,\u201d action verbs are attention-grabbing and help emphasize our abilities and accomplishments.<\/p>\n