Action Verbs – Definition and Examples

What is an Action Verb?

An action verb is a verb that shows what the subject is doing in a sentence. It is different from a linking verb because it only describes an action. Action verbs have one job: to tell us about the action in a sentence.

It is a word that describes an action. It can’t be used to connect ideas or describe a state. Its only job is to tell us about an action. Such as play, Break, Dance etc.

Examples of Action Verbs Used in Sentences

In simpler terms, action verbs usually come right after the person or thing doing the action at the start of a sentence. For example:

1. Sarah likes to run in the park every morning.
2. The athlete will jump over the hurdles with precision.
3. Emily enjoys reading mystery novels on lazy Sundays.
4. The author will write a new book over the next few months.
5. Every summer, the kids swim in the community pool.
6. They danced all night at the party.
7. My grandmother can cook delicious homemade meals.
8. The professor will teach a new course next semester.
9. The construction workers are busy building a new skyscraper.
10.  The artist will paint a mural on the city wall.

Everyday Action Verbs List for Kids

Here are some action verbs that we use in our daily communication.

Write	Test	Ring
Call	Clear	Stitch
Run	Walk	Talk
Teach	Travel	Learn
Jump	Bring	Keep
Lift	Try	Move
Skip	Dance	Play
Chew	Buy	Drink
Cook	Read	Make
Drive	Speak	Sing

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.

(Sets, crossed, played, eat. Sang, rustled, darted, completed, constructed, prepared)

1. I ___________ my breakfast every morning.
2. The cat ___________ across the room to catch the mouse.
3. The students ___________ their homework before the deadline.
4. The sun ___________ behind the mountains in the evening.
5. She ___________ a beautiful song at the talent show.
6. The workers ___________ the building with precision.
7. The wind ___________ the leaves off the trees.
8. The athlete ___________ the finish line and won the race.
9. The chef ___________ a delicious meal for the guests.
10. The children ___________ in the playground during recess.

Check your answers here.

1. I eat my breakfast every morning.
2. The cat darted across the room to catch the mouse.
3. The students completed their homework before the deadline.
4. The sun sets behind the mountains in the evening.
5. She sang a beautiful song at the talent show.
6. The workers constructed the building with precision.
7. The wind rustled the leaves off the trees. Example:
8. The athlete crossed the finish line and won the race.
9. The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.
10. The children played in the playground during recess