Action Verbs | Explore Definition and Examples

Action verbs? Wondering what it might be? Action verbs are verbs that are used to refer to the action that is being performed by the subject. This article will help you learn everything you need to know about action verbs.

Table of Contents

• What is an Action Verb?
  • Definition of an Action Verb
• Examples of Action Verbs Used in Sentences
• Everyday Action Verbs List for Kids
• Test Your Knowledge on Action Verbs
• Frequently Asked Questions on Action Verbs in English

What is an Action Verb?

As the name suggests, an action verb is used to represent the action done by the subject in a sentence. Action verbs cannot be used as linking verbs. They have only one function, and that is to denote the action in a sentence.

Definition of an Action Verb

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an action verb is defined as “a verb that expresses action. ‘Drive’ in ‘We often drive past their house’ and ‘think’ in ‘Let’s think about the problem’ are both action verbs.”

Examples of Action Verbs Used in Sentences

Action verbs mostly appear right next to the subject at the beginning of a sentence. Let us look at the following examples to get an idea of how they are used.

• My mom reached home at 5:20 p.m. (The root verb ‘reach’ used in the simple past form is the action verb in the sentence)
• The little girl ran to her mother the moment she saw her. (The verbs ‘ran’ and ‘saw’ are the action verbs in the sentence. They are simple past forms of ‘run’ and ‘see’)
• Let us take the wounded dog to the veterinary hospital. (The action verb in the sentence is ‘take’ used in its simple present form or the original form)
• Cherina is singing the most recent song of A. R. Rahman. (The verb ‘singing’, used in the present continuous form, is the action verb in the sentence)
• I wrote a letter to the bank manager requesting for a bank statement. (The verb ‘wrote’, used in the simple past form, is the action verb in the sentence)

Action verbs can be used to represent different tenses by using the different forms of verbs. Check out verb forms to learn more.

Everyday Action Verbs List for Kids

Here are some action verbs that can be used in everyday communication.

Test Your Knowledge on Action Verbs

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate action verb in the following sentences. Choose the verb from the list given and use it in the suitable tense.

(accompany, draft, win, cry, buy, sleep, drink, pass, ask, call)

1. Why did you ________ me?

2. The baby _________ because he is hungry

3. My sister __________ me to the hospital tomorrow.

4. Every day, I _______ milk in the morning.

5. My dad _________ me a new dress for my cousin’s wedding.

6. My brother _________ by 10 p.m. daily.

7. Can you _______ a mail to your manager requesting a transfer?

8. The teacher _______ the students to submit their assignments before 8 in the morning.

9. Mary Kom ______ a gold medal at the Olympics in the boxing tournament.

10. Can you please ______ the attendance register?

Let us find out if you got it right. Check your answers here.

1. Why did you call me?

2. The baby is crying because he is hungry.

3. My sister will accompany me to the hospital tomorrow.

4. Everyday, I drink milk in the morning.

5. My dad bought me a new dress for my cousin’s wedding.

6. My brother sleeps by 10 p.m. daily.

7. Can you draft a mail to your manager requesting a transfer?

8. The teacher asked the students to submit their assignments before 8 in the morning.

9. Mary Kom won a gold medal at the Olympics in the boxing tournament.

10. Can you please pass the attendance register?