A Clear Guide to Identifying Action Verbs

Action verbs are the drivers of written and spoken English because they give life to a sentence or conversation, either physically or mentally. There are different action verb identifier tools and software online. But you can easily determine an action verb in a sentence by some key elements.

To determine if a word is an action verb, ask yourself if it shows something someone can do, be, or feel. This article will help you learn about action verbs, their importance, and their usage in a sentence.

What Is an Action Verb?

An action verb is a verb that denotes action and describes what the subject of a sentence is doing. These verbs can denote any physical or mental action. Action verbs are powerful and convey information quickly. They aid in the reader’s ability to clearly and precisely visualize the subject performing the activity. These verbs also improve the flow of a piece of writing or a speech by doing away with unnecessary transitional phrases.

What Is an Action Verb Identifier Tool?

An Action Verb Identifier tool not only identifies and documents the action verbs in a document but also assigns them to the appropriate categories. Action verbs can be identified as verbs that have an object and are performed by the subject. You can try out the free INK Verb Finder to find out the form and tense of the verbs in your writing.

Choose your words brown wooden scrabble blocks on a white background
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Action Verb Vs. Linking Verb: What’s the Difference?

Verbs describe an event, an action, or a state of being. The three common types of verbs include action, linking, and helping. Action verbs or linking verbs are most commonly used in conversation and writing.

The impact of each of these verbs varies in degree. So, it’s vital to pick the appropriate verb and form for a given circumstance. For now, let’s learn more about action and linking verbs.

Actions Verb:

An action verb describes what the sentence’s subject is doing or has already done. It can define any physical or mental activity by a person, animal, or even an object.

The English language has a plethora of action verbs in its treasure. Let’s look at examples of action verbs in a sentence to better understand their function and purpose.

Example Sentences:

  • I accepted the job offer.
  • Anthony is playing football.
  • She cried in pain when she slipped from the stairs.
  • Can you play this song on your guitar?
  • I will fix the mistakes in the document.

Linking Verb:

Unlike an action verb, a linking verb is used to describe the subject, not the action. Linking verbs help to connect the subject to a predicate noun or adjective.

These verbs do not represent any action that is directly physical or mental or controlled by the subject. For example, be, am, is, were, become, and more. Some words can serve as both an action verb and a linking verb, such as smell, taste, feel, sound, turn, grow, remain, etc.

Example Sentences:

  • The food smells stale.
  • She is a medical student.
  • I have become tired of this hectic job schedule.
  • Everyone was tired after the race.
  • John looks pale today.

Conclusion

Action verbs make your writing more dynamic and add more clarity to what you’re trying to say. When used in the correct context, they can provide better meaning to your writing. In this article, you can learn the function and purpose of action verbs with example sentences.

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Helping Verbs Guide: Meaning, Types, and Sentence Examples

Verbs are a key part of every good sentence. Main verbs help tie the pieces of a sentence together, while…

September 1, 2022

Exploring the Meaning of the Main Verbs and Examples

English writing requires you to have outstanding expertise in particular grammar rules. These concepts are vital for the reliability and…

September 1, 2022

Transitive Vs. Intransitive Verbs — A Quick Guide

Whether or not an object is necessary for the verb to express a complete thought, a verb is either transitive…

September 1, 2022

Do This Now! List of Imperative Verbs

No one likes to be bossed around by someone else! However, sometimes you have to be bossy to get stuff…

September 1, 2022

Helping Verbs or Auxiliary Verbs — Knowing the Correct Choice

Verbs are the backbone of every sentence in the English language. A sentence without verbs is like a lemonade without…

September 1, 2022

Verbs of Action vs. Auxiliary Verbs

Verbs are a crucial component of every sentence. You cannot communicate a complete thought without verbs. However, did you know…

September 1, 2022