noun
action verb
AK-shuhn vurb
Action verb (noun) means a verb that expresses something a subject does, either physically or mentally, such as run, throw, decide or imagine. Example: “Circle every action verb in the paragraph and underline the linking verbs.”
noun
1
A verb that expresses something a subject does, either physically or mentally, such as run, throw, decide or imagine.
"Circle every action verb in the paragraph and underline the linking verbs."
"Swap weak phrases for a strong action verb: 'led' beats 'was responsible for'."
2
business A forceful verb used at the start of a CV bullet point to describe an achievement.
"Every bullet on the résumé should open with an action verb like managed, launched or negotiated."
How to use action verb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA verb that says what someone or something does.
When to use it
Neutral. Mainly a teaching term, used in school grammar and CV-writing guides.
Memory tip
Test it by asking 'can the subject do this?' If yes, it is an action verb.
Easily confused with
action verb / linking verb
action verb / helping verb
Common pairings
strong action verb
action verbs list
action verb worksheet
resume action verbs
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Circle every _____ in the paragraph and underline the linking verbs.
Synonyms
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dynamic verb
Antonyms
linking verb
stative verb
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an action verb and a linking verb?
An action verb tells you what the subject does — she wrote the report. A linking verb connects the subject to a description of it rather than to an action — she is the editor, the soup smells good. Be, seem, become and appear are the commonest linking verbs.
Can an action verb be mental as well as physical?
Yes. Verbs like think, decide, remember and believe describe mental actions and still count as action verbs, even though nothing visible happens.
Are action verbs and dynamic verbs the same thing?
Broadly yes. Dynamic verb is the term used in linguistics and English language teaching; action verb is the term used in school grammar and in careers advice. Both contrast with stative or linking verbs.
What is the meaning of action verb?
"action verb" (noun) means a verb that expresses something a subject does, either physically or mentally, such as run, throw, decide or imagine.
