An action verb is a word that shows what someone or something does. It can describe a visible activity or a mental action, something that happens in the sentence and moves the idea forward.
In this guide, you’ll learn what action verbs are, the different types, and how to use them effectively with examples that make each concept easy to follow.
What Is an Action Verb?
An action verb is a verb that expresses what the subject of a sentence does. It shows an activity, process, or task—either physical or mental. Unlike linking verbs, which describe a state or identity, action verbs describe something that happens.
- Physical: Liam kicked the ball across the field.
- Mental: Aisha considers several options before replying.
In both cases, the verb answers the question: What is the subject doing?
Action verbs are essential in most sentence structures, especially when the sentence follows a subject-verb-object pattern. These verbs also change form depending on tense, which makes them part of regular verb conjugation in English grammar.
Types of Action Verbs
Action verbs can be grouped into two main types: those that show physical movement and those that describe mental activity. Both types function as main verbs in a sentence and often appear in different verb tenses, depending on when the action occurs.
Physical Action Verbs
These verbs describe actions you can see or physically perform. They often appear in daily communication and writing.
- Example: Marcus climbed the ladder quickly.
- Example: The players celebrate after every win.
Physical action verbs often work as transitive verbs when followed by a direct object (e.g., climbed the ladder). They can also be intransitive, depending on how they are used.
Mental Action Verbs
Mental action verbs describe activities that happen in the mind. They can be just as important as physical actions, even though you can’t see them.
- Example: Leena questions the logic of the argument.
- Example: We remembered the story from last year.
These verbs behave like other dynamic verbs and can usually be used in different tenses. However, some mental actions can overlap with stative verbs when they describe a fixed state rather than an active process.
Action Verbs vs. Stative Verbs
Action verbs show what someone does—physically or mentally. Stative verbs, on the other hand, describe a condition, feeling, or state of being that doesn’t involve a clear action.
- Action: Priya wrote a short story.
- State: Priya believes in hard work.
Some verbs, like have, see, or think, can be either action verbs or stative verbs depending on meaning and context.
- Action: I am thinking about the solution. (mental activity)
- State: I think this is a great idea. (opinion)
Stative verbs are not usually used in continuous tenses, while action verbs often appear in –ing forms to show ongoing activity.
Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs
Action verbs tell what the subject is doing. Linking verbs connect the subject to more information, often describing what the subject is or seems to be.
- Action: The baby cried during the flight.
- Linking: The baby was calm after landing.
Linking verbs do not show any action. They function more like grammatical bridges between the subject and a subject complement, often a noun, pronoun, or adjective.
- Action: Daniel tasted the soup. (He performed the action of tasting)
- Linking: The soup tasted salty. (Tells how the soup was—not an action)
Some verbs, like feel, appear, or look, can act as linking verbs or action verbs depending on how they are used.
How Action Verbs Work in Sentences
Action verbs play a central role in sentence construction. They show what the subject does and often connect to an object that receives the action. This creates a clear subject-verb-object structure, which is common in English grammar.
- Example: The mechanic repaired the engine.
- Example: Jasmine writes short poems.
These verbs can appear in any verb tense—past, present, or future—and also work in simple, continuous, perfect, or perfect continuous forms.
- Present simple: They practice every morning.
- Past continuous: They were practicing when the power went out.
- Future perfect: They will have practiced for months by the time of the performance.
Action verbs can be transitive verbs (taking a direct object) or intransitive verbs (not needing an object):
- Transitive: She reads novels. (novels is the object)
- Intransitive: She reads before bed. (no object)
Common Mistakes with Action Verbs
While action verbs are straightforward in most cases, a few common mistakes can affect clarity and grammar.
Using Action Verbs as Stative Verbs
Some verbs that describe mental actions (like think, see, have) can cause confusion when used in continuous tenses. Many of these function as stative verbs depending on the context.
❌ Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.
✅ Correct: I know the answer.
However, if think is used as a mental process, the continuous form is correct:
✅ Correct: I am thinking about your suggestion.
Using the Wrong Tense or Form
Incorrect verb forms often appear when switching between verb tenses or subjects. This may lead to subject-verb agreement issues or incorrect conjugation.
❌ Incorrect: She run every day.
✅ Correct: She runs every day.
Always match the action verb to the subject and the required tense.
Confusing Transitive and Intransitive Use
Many action verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, but not in the same sentence. A missing object or unnecessary one can cause sentence errors.
❌ Incorrect: She explained clearly. (explained what?)
✅ Correct: She explained the steps clearly.
If the action requires a direct object, it must be included.
List of Action Verbs (Physical + Mental)
Action verbs can describe what we do with our body or what happens in the mind. Here’s a categorized list to help you recognize both types and use them effectively in your writing.
Physical Action Verbs
These verbs involve visible movement or actions you can perform:
- jump
- carry
- lift
- throw
- walk
- clap
- paint
- drive
- kick
- open
- fix
- dance
- build
- cook
- climb
Mental Action Verbs
These verbs describe activities of the mind, emotions, or internal decisions:
- think
- decide
- believe
- remember
- forget
- consider
- imagine
- question
- understand
- doubt
- guess
- hope
- notice
- prefer
- realize
Action Verb Examples in Sentences
The best way to learn action verbs is by seeing them used in real sentences. Below are examples that show how physical and mental actions work in context. These sentences vary in subject, tense, and structure to give you a broad understanding.
Physical Action Verbs in Sentences
- Sam threw the ball over the fence.
- The kids clap whenever the lights go out.
- Priya is painting a mural for the school event.
- They have built a small greenhouse in the backyard.
- Alex was climbing the ladder when the phone rang.
Mental Action Verbs in Sentences
- I remembered her name after seeing the photo.
- They consider both sides before making a decision.
- She imagines what life would be like in a different city.
- We prefer staying home on rainy days.
- He doubts the plan will work without more support.
FAQs About Action Verbs
What is an action verb in English grammar?
An action verb is a word that shows what the subject of a sentence does. It can express physical movement (like run or build) or mental activity (like think or remember).
What are 5 examples of action verbs?
Here are five action verbs:
jump
imagine
carry
decide
paint
Is “think” an action verb or a stative verb?
It can be either, depending on the context.
Action: I am thinking about your idea.
State: I think you’re right.
Some verbs change category based on how they’re used.
Do action verbs always need an object?
No. Transitive action verbs need a direct object (e.g., She reads books), but intransitive verbs don’t (e.g., She reads before bed). The structure depends on the verb.
Can a verb be both linking and action?
Yes, a few verbs can act as both.
Action: He tastes the soup.
Linking: The soup tastes amazing.
The meaning in the sentence determines the verb’s role.