Example of action word in sentence

Research has revealed that close to 1.35 billion people globally speak English, of which 360 million have English as their first language! That means a significant proportion of the English-speaking population has to learn the necessary rules of English. 

There are close to 3500 rules in the language, in addition to a wide range of words and terminologies. These, put together, allow millions of individuals to communicate clearly. 

Of the different kinds of words used in the English language, action words are among the most popular. A common part of written and spoken communication, these words help facilitate a clear understanding of messages between two or more people. 

So, discover all you need to know about action words below! 

Action wordsWhat are they?

Actions words, also known as action verbs, are words that quite simply express an action. The action is often done by the subject of the clause or sentence and includes eating, sleeping, and sitting, among other activities! It is even possible for there to be an action with no movement!

Action verbs express that a person, object, animal, or process is in a state of being. These verbs, however, should not be confused with two other kinds of verbs, i.e., linking verbs and stative verbs. 

• Linking verbs serve as a connecting link between a subject and a complement.

For example: Tomorrow is Wednesday. 

Here, ‘is’ is a linking verb because the word links a subject with a subject complement rather than expressing an action taken. 

• Stative verbs, on the other hand, express the state of being and provide information about the subject. 

For example: John hates spicy food. 

The verb ‘hates’ is a stative verb that provides information about the subject rather than expressing any action that the subject has taken. 

Learning the meaning of difficult words and adding action words to your vocabulary can help you carry excellent conversations in your everyday life!

Types of action words 

Action words in English or action verbs are broadly categorized into two main types:

• Physical action verbs  
• Mental action verbs

Physical action verbs 

Physical action verbs describe actions that require the movement of bodies and objects. Some of the most commonly used physical action verbs include: 

• Swim 
• Tumble 
• Bend 
• Ask 
• Frolic 
• Hang 
• Drive 
• Climb 
• Kick 

Mental action verbs 

Mental action verbs, on the other hand, are slightly trickier to identify. These may not seem like action verbs at first but can refer to mental activities that a person can undertake. An interesting fact to learn is that many mental action verbs classify as stative verbs because they express conditions or states of being! 

Some examples of mental action verbs include: 

• Analyze 
• Dream 
• Imagine 
• Consider 
• Remember 
• Forget 
• Memorize 
• Learn 
• Condemn 

Examples of action verbs in sentences

The best way to understand how to use action words or action verbs is to note their meaning when placed in a sentence. 

Here are examples of action verbs: 

1. The bird sings a beautiful song every morning. 
2. Close the door when you walk out! 
3. The horse galloped down the trail. 
4. It’s the perfect weather to swim in the pool. 
5. We will eat lunch together tomorrow. 
6. My baby sleeps in her nursery. 
7. The piglet grunts. 
8. Dr. Silver examines her patient. 
9. The roof of the house is leaking. 
10. Joy solved the mystery! 
11. Harold found a green crayon. 
12. I have been waiting at the bank for hours. 
13. I feed my six cats every day. 
14. The children play basketball during recess. 
15. She has been sleeping all day. 
16. Can I buy you dinner? 
17. We like eating healthy food. 
18. What would you like to drink? 
19. A toddler learns to crawl before she learns to walk. 
20. Please throw me that ball.
21. She gave a theatrical bow (bow is the action word depicting what the subject has undertaken). 
22. Please do not talk to any strangers. 
23. No, I did not laugh at you. 
24. Can you smell something funny? 
25. I am going to paint my picket fence white. 
26. My daughter is learning to ride a horse. 
27. Can you please open the door? 
28. Dolphins dive to depths of as much as two hundred meters.
29. I enjoy cooking. 
30. I would like to buy a gift for my fiance. 

Using action words to make a compelling resume

Did you know that the right use of action words in English can help you create a compelling resume? Employers are more likely to hire individuals who are energetic, active, and can communicate efficiently. 

So, here is an excellent action words list for you! Use some of these words in your resume to make it stand out from the crowd: 

• Invented 
• Founded 
• Executed 
• Demonstrated 
• Created 
• Computed 
• Compiled 
• Calculated 
• Briefed 
• Investigated 
• Edited 
• Evaluated 
• Tested 
• Restored 
• Reviewed 
• Surveyed 
• Synthesized 
• Promoted 
• Produced

Additionally, there is a wide range of action words that can be used to demonstrate abilities like creation, goal orientation, people management, and teamwork. 

Here are some examples you can use to add value to your resume.

1. Action verbs showcasing a willingness to work

• Fulfilled 
• Organized 
• Enforced 
• Realized 
• Performed 
• Implemented 
• Administered 
• Prepared 
• Accomplished 

2. Action verbs showcasing goal-orientation 

• Boosted 
• Outpaced 
• Converted 
• Created 
• Amplified 
• Delivered 
• Maximized 
• Improved 
• Generated 
• Expedited 

3. Action words list displaying the skill of team-work 

• Collaborated 
• Merged 
• Joined 
• Co-Authored 
• Wove 
• United 
• Partnered 
• Forged 
• Gathered
• Co-Produced 
• Blended 

4. Action verbs showcasing creation and innovation 

• Conceptualized 
• Outlined 
• Established 
• Engineered 
• Composed 
• Conceived 
• Crafted 
• Designed 
• Built 
• Authored 
• Devised 

Key Takeaways 

• Action verbs are words used to describe the action of a subject, object, or event. These words express the mental or physical state of being of a body. 
• Action words are often used in daily conversations to convey meaning concerning a situation or an event. These words can also be used in documents like a resume to create a compelling application. 
• Understanding the rules of using action verbs can help in communicating effectively and efficiently in everyday life. 

We hope you enjoyed learning about action words in this blog! If you have any questions/suggestions, drop a comment below or reach out to us!

FAQs 

Q1. Can action words be used in different tenses? 

Answer – Yes, action words are often used in different tenses. 

Q2. What are transitive action words? 

Answer – Transitive action words take the object. To find the object, we ask the verb questions such as ‘whom and ‘what’. In these verbs, the object performs an action. 

Q3. What is an example of a non-action verb? 

Answer – An example of a non-action verb is ‘prefer’ and ‘want’. These words represent an opinion or a sense. 

A verb that describes an action like run, play, eat, drink, hit, etc. is known as an action verb. Sentences established with verbs of action should include an action physically or mentally. The action verbs are what is done in the sentence, what is the movement, or the subject. Action verbs are also called dynamic verbs.

Some of the Action Verbs:

Write	Give
Jump	Eat
Drink	Cook
Wash	Wait
Climb	Talk
Crawl	Dream
Dig	Clap
Knit	Sew
Smell	Kiss
Hug	Snore
Bathe	Ride
Sit down	Stand up
Fight	Laugh
Read	Play
Listen	Cry
Think	Sing
Watch TV	Dance
Turn on	Turn off
Win	Fly
Cut	Throw away
Sleep	Close
Open	Bow
Paint	Dive
Ski	Stack
Buy	Shake

Example Sentences with Action Verbs

• Every morning I comb my daughter‘s hair.

• I paid my debts with all the money I made this month.

• I feed six cats and three dogs in my garden.

• We grub up almost all over the field to find gold.

• I wash my car and wipe the windows every weekend.

• An elderly aunt was coming from the market and I carried her bags to help her.

• My friends go on vacation every summer, until the evening we swim in the sea.

• I’ve been waiting for hours at the bank for me to come.

• When spring comes, I ride bikes on the beach every morning.

• Today is my girlfriend’s birthday, so I bought her these red roses.

• Yesterday while walking around the market, I met an old friend.

• I have a graduation this summer. I have to buy myself a nice dress already.

• Can I get your book to study for the exam?

• I saw him last night at the mall.

• We forgot to take bread with us on our way to the picnic.

• Every day I regularly water the lawns in the garden.

• We live in England for many years.

• The killer was on the run, so the police took action.

• Everyone in her establishment was very upset when she became this.

• My father fell asleep in front of the television.

Read More:

Action Verbs

20 Examples of Verb in Sentences

50 most common verbs in English

Common English Irregular Verb List

English Modal Verbs

Parts of Speech

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Q1

What are action words in the English language?

Action words are the words used to express an action done by the subject. There are numerous action words in English vocabulary. And in most cases, an action word marks its appearance right next to the subject.

Q2

List 25 commonly used action words in the English Language.

Ride, Sit down, Win, Drink, Stand, Throw, Close, Open, Sleep, Cut , Eat, Cook, Fight, Play, Give, Dig , Laugh, Dance, Climb, Talk, Knit, Kiss, Hug, Bath, Ski

Q3

List 100 action words in the English language.

Calculate, Earn, Endure, Examine, Enter, Edit, Energise, Identify, Import, Install, Investigated, Idealise, Improve, Instituted, Imitate, Idolise, Improvise, Instruct, Implant, Navigate, Nominate, Negotiate, Notify, Nominate, Nourish, Normalise, Notice, Observe, Overcame, Open, Obtain, Overhaul, Operate, Offer, Oversaw, Oppose, Officiate, Obey, Participate, Predict, Progress, Paint, Perceive, Prepare, Project, Pamper, Perfected, Prescribe, Promote, Rate, Redesign, Recharge, Renegotiate, Realign, Reduce, Reconquer, Reorganise, Rebuilt, Reengineer, Record, Satisfy, Solve, Scream, Shop, Schedule, Specify, Scribble, Slap, Secure, Speak, Scrub, Smash, Select, Standardise, Seal, Smell, Separate, Stimulate, Search, Smile, Target, Translate, Touch, Teach, Tear, Trade, Talk, Think, Transfer, Terminate, Thank, Transform, Unify, Undress, Unite, Uninstall, Update, Unleash, Upgrade, Unlock.

Action Words: Action words are used in almost every sentence that we employ in the English language. But, do you happen to know what action words are? Action words are those words in the English language which describe any action. In this article, we have mentioned a list of action words that we use in our day-to-day life.

This list of action words for kids will also give you a better grip over the language. We have also mentioned action word example sentences which will also give you a view of the practical use of these words.

Study the most important English Vocabulary Words identified by our experts and learn the right vocabulary to use in your day to day conversations

• Name of Action Words
• Description of Action Words on the list

Name of Action Words

• Growing
• Caring
• Bouncing
• Talking
• Skiing
• Climbing
• Sharing
• Eating
• Drinking
• Writing
• Working out
• Playing cards
• Sitting
• Listening
• Playing instrument
• Working
• Saving
• Bathing
• Skateboarding
• Cycling
• Painting
• Playing
• Shouting
• Running
• Sky diving
• Dancing
• Catching
• Cooking
• Experimenting
• Swimming
• Singing
• Kicking
• Lifting
• Cleaning
• Looking
• Surfing
• Juggling
• Staring
• Camping
• Sleeping
• Counting
• Watching
• Jogging
• Fishing
• Riding
• Encouraging
• Cycling
• Turning down
• Sinking
• Addressing
• Discussing
• Flying

Description of Action Words on the list

Growing

Example: The plant I planted last week has been growing rapidly.

Caring

Example: Ms Anne is an extremely caring and welcoming person.

Bouncing

Example: Stop bouncing the pen on the table; it is making an annoying noise.

Talking

Example: What are you guys talking about?

Skiing

Example: Last summer vacation, my family and I went on a skiing trip to Colorado.

Climbing

Example: Stop climbing the tree; you are going to hurt yourself.

Sharing

Example: When we were in school, our teacher taught us that sharing is caring.

Eating

Example: You should never be eating food with your mouth open; it’s terrible table manners.

Drinking

Example: Have you been drinking my orange juice?

Writing

Example: She was writing something on the wall.

Working out

Example: I have been working out since last year March.

Playing cards

Example: The kids are playing cards in the basement.

Sitting

Example: Last time I saw Akash, he was sitting on the sofa.

Listening

Example: Are you even listening to what I am saying?

Playing instrument

Example: I have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument.

Working

Example: My sister has been working since morning; she is a really hardworking person.

Saving

Example: You should be saving up some of the money that you are earning.

Bathing

Example: You have not been bathing for the last week; you must take a bath today.

Skateboarding

Example: Jessi learned skateboarding when she was very young.

Cycling

Example: We were cycling near our locality today when Akash had a terrible accident.

Painting

Example: My sister makes paintings in her room; do you want me to call her?

Playing

Example: You need to stop playing and come home soon.

Shouting

Example: Why are you shouting at her? It was not her fault.

Running

Example: You should not be running from your problems; face them head-on.

Sky diving

Example: It was always on my bucket list to ski diving before my 25th birthday, and today I finally did it.

Dancing

Example: I have been dancing since when I was four years old.

Catching

Example: I have been out of station since last month; I have a lot of catching up to do.

Cooking

Example: What will you be cooking for tomorrow’s get-to-gather?

Experimenting

Example: You need to stop experimenting on your body by trying out these diets.

Swimming

Example: I find swimming extremely therapeutic; I can do it every day.

Singing

Example: Will you be singing at my wedding?

Kicking

Example: Stop kicking the ball against the door.

Lifting

Example: You should not be lifting anything heavy until your hand heals.

Cleaning

Example: Why haven’t you been cleaning the fish tank?

Looking

Example: What are you looking at in that direction?

Surfing

Example: How come you are so good at surfing yet are scared of the water?

Juggling

Example: The man at the party was juggling with five balls; it was fascinating to watch.

Staring

Example: Why is that lady constantly staring at me?

Camping

Example: We are going camping next week with the whole family.

Sleeping

Example: I don’t feel very good cause I’ve not been sleeping much lately.

Counting

Example: Have you been counting stars in the sky? It’s impossible!

Watching

Example: Have you been watching the new series that has been coming on Netflix?

Jogging

Example: Do you go jogging every morning?

Fishing

Example: Tomorrow my father and I are going fishing at the lake. Would you like to come?

Riding

Example: Will you be riding the roller coaster at the amusement park?

Encouraging

Example: You should be encouraging your sister with her dreams.

Cycling

Example: Have you been cycling your whole life?

Turning down

Example: You should not be turning down this fantastic offer.

Sinking

Example: I saw the ship sinking right in from my eyes; it was heartbreaking to watch.

Addressing

Example: We should be addressing this situation immediately.

Discussing

Example: Today in class, we were discussing the trip that we are going on next week.

Flying

Example: My dream is flying my own aeroplane.

A phrase is never without action. Ram, for example, is eating. Savita is going to school, while Rahul is playing football. These terms such as eating, going and playing are the activity in the above examples.
What does action imply?
It simply signifies anything that the subject does in a statement. The words used to describe these actions are referred to as action words or verbs. According to what you might expect, action words are verbs, which seem to be terms that characterize activities.

What are Action Verbs?

Verbs are essential components of each statement. A whole notion could not be represented without verbs. An action verb specifies a fundamental function that an individual, creature, thing, or system may execute. Action verbs are verbs that describe whatever the particular topic of a statement seems to be doing effectively. In other words, any action verb describes whatever the particular topic of a phrase seems to be performing.

Types of Action Verbs:

Action words are classified into two categories based on their object:

1. Transitive action verb: 

Transitive verbs are perhaps action verbs which transmit given activity to the next noun. The additional noun is known as a direct object, and it obtains the activity mostly through the transitive verb.

Example: 

1. I like to read comics.
2. My mother bought fruits for me.
3. A dog followed me school.
4. Plumber fixed the tap.
5. He is chopping salad.
6. I love to eat chocolates.
7. Someone stole my new pen.
8. Her ring costs expensive.
9. I gave my notes to him.
10. I love playing with my pets.

2. Intransitive action verb:

The intransitive verb itself is an action verb that expresses a possible behavior. It doesn’t have a direct object but rather behaves like a transitive verb.

Example: 

1. I was sleeping when the guests came.
2. The plants grew.
3. The wind blew all the clothes.
4. The hotel has been closed.
5. The child fell.
6. He cried loudly after getting hurt.
7. The bird flies high.
8. The car disappeared.
9. The tortoise walks slow.
10. The horse runs fast.

Commonly Used Action Verbs List:

laugh	play	swimming	crawl	drive
fight	think	crying	climb	read
ride	cook	walk	answering	sleep
bath	singing	boating	baked	listen
sit-down	roar	open	dance	push
wait	throw	jump	sleep	write
dusting	kneading	gardening	call	cut
eating	worship	painting	chew	snore
helping	crafting	washing	stand	recording
repairing	investigate	ordered	share	measured

Examples of Action Verbs Used in Sentences:

1. I wash my clothes every weekend.
2. My hobby is crafting.
3. Ram is writing a letter to his friend.
4. Plastic causes pollution.
5. The chief guest cut the ribbon at the party.
6. The students are listening to their teachers.
7. I like eating foods of different countries.
8. She is recording a video of her sister.
9. I was waiting there from a long time.
10. She is singing to impress her friends.
11. My father opens his shop early morning.
12. The little baby was crying for food.
13. The lion roared and everybody was scared.
14. Akash drives the car slowly.
15. The police came here to investigate about the matter.

Practice Questions on Action Verbs-

Directions (1-10) : Identify the action words in the following sentences.

1. They shared their lunch with each other.
2. The dog runs after the cat.
3. She left the car keys in hurry.
4. We will learn swimming in our holidays.
5. They bought toys and clothes for their new baby.
6. Riya sat by the window and started playing guitar.
7. He knows to climb the tree.
8. Bob is thinking about his future plans.
9. The rabbit hates noise.
10. She passed the ball to me.

Answers:

1. They shared their lunch with each other.
2. The dog runs after the cat.
3. She left the car keys in hurry.
4. We will learn swimming in our holidays.
5. They bought toys and clothes for their new baby.
6. Riya sat by the window and started playing guitar.
7. He knows to climb the tree.
8. Bob is thinking about his future plans.
9. The rabbit hates noise.
10. She passed the ball to me.

Frequently Asked Questions on Action Verbs:

Que 1. What are Action Verbs?

Ans. Verbs are essential components of each statement. A whole notion could not be represented without verbs. An action verb specifies a fundamental function that an individual, creature, thing, or system may execute. Action verbs are verbs that describe whatever the particular topic of a statement seems to be doing effectively. In other words, any action verb describes whatever the particular topic of a phrase seems to be performing.

Que 2. How to Use Action Verbs?

Ans. Action verbs are employed in sentences to convey meaningful data while also adding emotion and intention. These verbs are important in language because they indicate to the audience what activity the topic is conducting in the statement. Action verbs may be employed in the number of ways:

1. By recognizing the function of action verbs.
2. Action verbs should be used in place of insufficient verbs.
3. Remain aware of how action verbs may be employed to substitute for the passive voice. 
4. Include action verbs in your language.
5. Employ action verbs that are particular to your abilities.

Que 3. Give some examples of Action Verbs used in a sentence.

Ans. 

1. I wash my clothes every weekend.
2. My hobby is crafting.
3. Ram is writing a letter to his friend.
4. Plastic causes pollution.
5. The chief guest cut the ribbon at the party.
6. The students are listening to their teachers.
7. I like eating foods of different countries.
8. She is recording a video of her sister.
9. I was waiting there from a long time.
10. She is singing to impress her friends.
11. My father opens his shop early morning.
12. The little baby was crying for food.
13. The lion roared and everybody was scared.
14. Akash drives the car slowly.
15. The police came here to investigate about the matter.

Que 4. What are the types of Action Verbs?

Ans. Action words are classified into two categories based on their object:

1. Transitive action verb:

Transitive verbs are perhaps action verbs which transmit given activity to the next noun. The additional noun is known as a direct object, and it obtains the activity mostly through the transitive verb.

Example:

1. I like to read comics.
2. My mother bought fruits for me.
3. A dog followed me school.
4. Plumber fixed the tap.
5. He is chopping salad.
6. I love to eat chocolates.
7. Someone stole my new pen.
8. Her ring costs expensive.
9. I gave my notes to him.
10. I love playing with my pets.

2. Intransitive action verb:

The intransitive verb itself is an action verb that expresses a possible behavior. It doesn’t have a direct object but rather behaves like a transitive verb.

Example:

1. I was sleeping when the guests came.
2. The plants grew.
3. The wind blew all the clothes.
4. The hotel has been closed.
5. The child fell.
6. He cried loudly after getting hurt.
7. The bird flies high.
8. The car disappeared.
9. The tortoise walks slow.
10. The horse runs fast.

What is Action Verb? Action Verb List and Example Sentences

Action Verbs List

Verbs are the words that describe the actions of each noun, the situation they belong to, and what they have been impacted from. Verbs are classified into categories based on their meanings. One of these is the use of action verbs.

Action Verb: What Is It and How Do I Understand It?

Action verbs are verbs that are used to describe a specific job or activity. In the sentence, there is a subject who performs the task and an object who is influenced by the request. These verbs are also referred to as transitive verbs because they take an object as their subject.

Specifically, action verbs respond to the questions of “what” and “who”. As a result, by asking these questions to verbs, it is possible to identify if they are action verbs or not such as delete, tell, clean, write, take, lift, and drink.

The following are some examples of sentences with action verbs:

I watched as my mother threw the stone she was holding into the water.

In this sentence, the word throw is used as an action verb. The action of throwing has taken place on an object. Alternatively, the question “what” can be answered.

To tell the truth, I finally broke down and said it to him

The thieves stole a large sum of money from my home

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is the correct answer.

My father painted the walls of the house.

He watched the championship game again.

They removed the board from the wall.

He did an excellent job of explaining the subject.

Additionally, it will clean the floors.

Make a note of what I said.

He went to the market and bought 2 kilos of apples.

She is being dragged by her bag against her will.

He bent down and lifted the boy into the air.

He wore his necklace around his neck as if it was his.

These papers should not be used.

They will pick up the trash that is on the ground.

The alarm went off at eight o’clock.

Toss the salad together.

He combed the back of his hair.

Open the door for me.

He slid the lid back into place.

He conducted extensive research on the subject.

He scratched his pen against the white paper.

He was able to pay off his debt.

Let’s take care of the cats.

Don’t cut down any trees.

It made my heart ache.

Maintain a healthy balance between giving and taking.

Pay attention to the music.

They noticed you the day before.

He had finally discovered what he had been looking for.

Please don’t interrupt me during my speech.

Studying is something I enjoy doing.

We dug a hole for ourselves.

He hung up the phone on me without saying goodbye.

We cleaned the house well before moving the items.

The little girl carried the big sack on her back across the road.

Although it was difficult, I finally opened the lid of the jar.

Last night I dreamed that I was the top student at my school.

The teacher did not know the answer to this question.

The poet answered the questions asked to him sincerely.

The car almost hit the small child.

Together with my father, we planted trees in every corner of the garden.

Most Common Action Verbs List

collar
analyze
fan
whack
shoot
maul
generate
led
expose
scruff
repulse
file
define
sculpt
prove
gather
direct
scrawl
initiate
reorganize
prepare
imitate
cure
manage
maim
structure
hitch
spur
meet
bow
collide
hurtle
advocate
mock
remove
pummel
derive
systematize
obtain
listen
appropriate
abscond
bathe
log
link
advance
campaign
mimic
rock

Action Verbs

An action verb describes an action, such as:

• Break
• Cry
• Eat
• Jump
• Kick
• Run
• Smile
• Think

The sentence pattern will be:

SUBJECT → ACTION VERB → THE REST OF THE SENTENCE

(noun, pronoun, or noun phrase) → (verb) → (adjective, adverb, noun, prepositional phrase, etc.)

Examples of action verbs in sentences:

Greg is kicking the ball now.

The action verb is Kicking. It describes what Greg is doing.

The wind blows constantly in Chicago.

The action verb is Blows. It describes what the wind does.

He accepted my apology.

The action verb is Accepted. It describes what he did.

Linking Verbs

A linking verb links (connects) the subject of the sentence to information about that subject. Linking verbs do not describe action.

The sentence structure will be:

SUBJECT → LINKING VERB → INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBJECT

(noun, pronoun, or noun phrase) → (verb) → (adjective, noun, or complement)

Some verbs are always linking verbs because they never describe an action. Others can be linking verbs in some sentences and action verbs in different sentences. (See below for examples.)

The following are always linking verbs:

• To be: (is, am, are, was, were, has been, have been, had been, is being, are being, was being, will have been, etc.)
• To become: (become, becomes, became, has become, have become, had become, will become, will have become, etc.)
• To seem: (seemed, seeming, seems, has seemed, have seemed, had seemed, is seeming, are seeming, was seeming, were seeming, will seem)

Here are some examples of linking verbs that are ALWAYS linking verbs in sentences:

The ball is red.

” Is” links the subject “ball” to information about that subject (that it is red).

The children are smart.

“Are” connects the subject “children” to information about that subject (that they are smart).

The child will be tall five years from now.

“Will be” links “child” to the information that she will be “tall five years from now.”

The cat seems fine.

“Seems” links “cat” with information about the cat (that it is fine).

The dog became thin after his surgery.

“Became” links “dog” with information about it (that he became thin).

Words that can be action verbs and linking verbs

There are verbs that, in some sentences, are linking verbs but, in other sentences, are action verbs. These include:

• Appear
• Feel
• Grow
• Look
• Prove
• Remain
• Smell
• Sound
• Taste

One way to determine whether the verb is functioning as an action verb or a linking verb is to substitute the word “Is” for the verb in question. If the sentence still makes sense, then it is probably a linking verb. If the sentence would not make sense with the word “Is,” then it is probably serving as an action verb.

Examples

Appear

Jane appeared uninjured after the accident.

You could substitute the word “is” for the word Appeared, and the sentence would still make sense: “Jane is uninjured after the accident.” This lets you know that Appeared is a linking verb here.

Before I could leave, Jane appeared.

In this sentence, Appeared is not linking anything. It is telling the action that Jane did. She appeared, or showed up.

Smells

The cake smells good!

This sentence describes the cake. Smells is a linking verb in this sentence. It connects the subject “cake” with information about that subject (that it smells good).

Ellen smells the cake.

The word Smells is not linking anything. If you replaced Smells with “Is,” the sentence would not make sense. That means Smells must be an action verb in this sentence. Ellen performed the action of smelling the cake.

Grew

The woman grew silent.

This sentence may seem confusing. Remember that Grow has more than one meaning! In this sentence, Grew means became. The woman became silent.

The gardener grew some flowers.

The word Grew is not linking two things together here. If you tried to replace Grew with “Is,” the sentence would not make sense. This means that Grew must be an action verb. The gardener performed the action of growing some flowers.