Action Words in English - Definition & Examples

Action words in English, also known as action verbs, are words that tell us about any action or something we do. They tell us about an action, like running, jumping, eating, or playing etc. Whenever we talk about what a person, animal, or thing is doing, we use action words. These words make our sentences meaningful and accurate.

Action words are an important part of English grammar. Without them, it would be hard to explain any kind of activities or even tell a story. So, to learn the action words definition along with examples, keep reading.

Read More: Action Verbs

What is an Action Word or Verb?

An action word is a word that shows what someone or something is doing in a sentence. It tells us about the action of the subject. For example, in “The dog barks,” the word “barks” in this sentence is an action word because it shows what the dog is doing. Action words are not used to link ideas. Their only job is to show the action in a sentence clearly.

Action words are very useful in English because they help us share stories, express our thoughts, and talk about daily life. When you learn them properly, you can express yourself more clearly in English.

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Action Words Definition

Action words definition states that these words are verbs that tell us about the action of a person, animal, or thing. They show physical actions like running or eating, mental actions like thinking or deciding, and even senses or feelings like seeing or hearing.

In every sentence, action words help us understand the activity being done. For example, in the sentence “Rama runs fast,” the word “runs” is the action word because it shows what Rama is doing. Without action words, our sentences would be incomplete and meaningless.

10 Action Words in English with Sentences

In order to improve your English speaking or writing skills, learning action words is important. Check out the common list of 10 action words in English with sentences that will help you understand how they are used in daily life.

1. Run: The children run across the playground.

2. Eat: I eat fruits every morning for breakfast.

3. Write: She writes a letter to her friend.

4. Jump: The cat jumps on the table.

5. Read: We read storybooks before going to sleep.

6. Sing: He sings very sweetly at the school function.

7. Play: The boys play cricket in the evening.

8. Swim: They swim in the pool during the summer.

9. Dance: The girls dance happily on stage.

10. Laugh: Everyone laughs at the funny joke

Read More: Sentence Structure

Types of Action Words With Examples

As we learned, action words, also called action verbs, tell us about an action performed by someone or something. There are different types of action words based on how they show action, like:

• Physical Action Words: These verbs show actions that we can see with our eyes or that involve any kind of physical movement. For example, run, jump, eat, dance, swim, and walk.

• Mental Action Words: These words or verbs talk about actions of the mind, like thinking, remembering, or understanding. For example, think, believe, remember, learn, and doubt.

• Transitive Action Words: These verbs require an object to complete their meaning. For example, she reads a book. ("Book" is the object here).

• Intransitive Action Words: These verbs do not need any object. The action itself is complete. For example, she sleeps.

Action Words Examples Used in Sentences

Action words describe the work or movement of a person, animal, or thing.
They make sentences more clear by telling what is happening. Here are some action words examples used in sentences to help you understand them better:

• Riya runs fast to catch the school bus.

• The dog jumps over the small wall.

• We eat fruits every evening.

• He writes neatly in his notebook.

• The teacher speaks kindly to the students.

• I read a story before going to bed.

• The children play cricket in the park.

• They swim in the river during the summer.

• She learns new words every day.

• We laugh at funny jokes.

• Students listen carefully to the teacher.

• The girls dance beautifully on stage.

• He helps his mother in the kitchen.

• Workers build tall buildings in the city.

• She drives her car to the market.

• Birds fly high in the sky.

• The baby cries loudly when hungry.

• They walk to school together.

• She sings a song very sweetly.

• Farmers grow crops in the field.

• The sun shines brightly in the sky.

Read More: What is Punctuation?

List of 100 Action Words

Action words make sentences lively and meaningful. Check the list of 100 action words that will help you expand your vocabulary and use the right verbs while speaking or writing. The more action words you know, the better you can express your ideas in English. Here is a list of 100 action words for you to learn and practice:

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Tips to Spot Action Words in Sentences

In English grammar, questions based on identifying action words often come in the exam. As you know by now, action words are verbs that show what a person, animal, or thing is doing. Here are some easy tips to spot action words in a sentence:

• Look for the saying: Ask yourself, What is happening in this sentence? The word that tells about the action being performed is the verb.

• Check if it shows movement or work: Most action words tell about some movement or work.

• See if it answers ‘what is being done?’: If the word tells what someone is doing, it’s the action word.

• Remember, not all verbs show physical movement: Some action words can show mental actions too.

• Practice Regularly: The more sentences you practice with, the easier it will be for you to answer questions based on action words in exams.

Also Read: Affirmative Sentence

Action Words Examples With Answers

Ques. Fill in the blanks with the correct action words:

1. The painter ___ a beautiful picture on the wall.

2. The baby ___ his toy on the floor.

3. The farmer ____ seeds in the field.

4. They ___ the door before leaving the house.

5. She ___ her hands before eating food.

6. The boy ___ the ball into the basket.

7. We ___ gifts to our friends on birthdays.

Answers:

1. Paints

2. Drops

3. Plants

4. Close / Shut

5. Washes

6. Throws

7. Give

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