Action Verbs

Definition of an Action Verb

An action verb expresses action. It represents the action that the subject of a sentence is performing.

Action Verb Examples

Some examples of action verbs would be the following:

Tyson hit the golf ball.
(expresses the action of “hitting”)

Janice skated down the street.
(expresses the action of “skating”)

Li read the book this morning.
(expresses the action of “reading”)

Action Verbs in Context

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Watch this video to better understand how action verbs are all around us!

Why You Should Use Action Verbs in Your Writing

Action verbs can add energy and nuance to your sentences. Let’s explore how they’re important:

Engagement: Action verbs can hook your reader and create more of an image in your reader’s mind. Instead of saying, “She walked,” you can say, “She danced down the street.” Notice the difference?


Clarity: Action verbs can paint vivid and precise pictures. Envision a dull landscape compared to a vibrant sunset. Use action verbs to describe what characters do: “He raced to the finish line with his heart pounding in his chest.”


Persuasion: Need to convince or persuade someone of something? Action verbs work well for this. “Our product boosts productivity,” sounds much better than, “Our product is good.”


Conciseness: Action verbs trim excess language. “She solved the puzzle,” simplifies a much wordier, “She was able to find the solution.”

Download a Free Worksheet on Action Verbs!

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Action Verbs Worksheet

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