Verb and action word

Moving Descriptors: Linking Verbs, Action Verbs, and Helping Verbs

You may already know a bit about the importance of action and linking words. After all, you can’t have complete sentences without including them at least once. But do you know there are three main categories? What about resume action verbs? The main forms include linking verbs, action verbs, and helping verbs. Curious to know the difference between these three types? Let’s look at definitions and answer “what are linking verbs”?, “what is an action verb”?, “what is a helping verb”? and look at further examples of linking verbs and action words to help you out.

What is an Action Verb?

In every sentence you have two main parts. First, there’s a subject. This is usually a noun or pronoun. Second, you have an action or state of being word. This word describes information about the subject.

When the word describing the subject is an action verb, the reader or listener understands what action the subject takes. It’s important to learn about action verbs because these words convey a variety of different actions that are both mental and physical. By increasing the number of action verbs you use in conversation, you can accurately describe to listeners what a subject is doing. That’s what a list of action verbs are good for, too. Try to see if you can create one as you go.

A few action verb examples include walk, skip, and jog. Although the actions aren’t much different (as the words all describe motion) each one forms a different image in your mind. It’s these subtle changes that make language more exciting! That’s why it’s so important to memorize a list of action verbs.

A mental action verb looks like think, discover, and plan amongst others. No action verb definition is complete without understanding two types of an action verb. In fact, the next section will explain more.

What is an Action Verb?: Defining the Transitive

A transitive action verb definition describes an action taken. However, this type of verb also affects a direct object. The direct object can be another noun or pronoun. Additionally, this type of action verb can even affect a phrase or clause. Let’s review some transitive action verb examples and compile a list of action verbs:

• Fred’s going to buy a comic book.

Without knowing the direct object (in this case a comic book) you wouldn’t understand what Fred is going to buy. That’s what makes the word buy transitive. See if you can identify the direct object in the next two action verb examples.

• Stacy is washing her dirty dishes.

Stacy (the subject) is washing (the verb) her dirty dishes (the direct object.)

• Can you check whether the front door is locked?

You (the subject) should check (the verb) the front door (the direct object) to determine if it’s locked.

Did you accurately locate the subject, direct object, and action verb? Still asking what is an action verb or need help creating a list of action verbs? There’s still more information below. If you need more help with the transitive form, click site.

What is an Action Verb?: Defining the Intransitive

Whereas a transitive word requires a direct object, an intransitive word does not. That’s because these action verbs describe what the subject of a sentence does to itself. Thus, it does not act upon a direct object. Here are some intransitive action verb examples:

• I can’t stop crying.

This action only impacts the subject, who cries continuously.

• Stacy always arrives to work ten minutes late.

The action verb arrives is followed by the location work. In this case, work is a preposition of place and not a direct object. You can also say, “Stacy always arrives ten minutes late,” and the sentence would still retain its meaning.

An Action Verb Definition

Considering that there are two ways to describe action verbs, a good action verb definition describes what a subject does involving physical and mental action verbs. These words can even explain the impact the action has on the subject itself, or the impact it has on a direct object. The other is called resume action verbs, but we will get to those in the next section.

List of Action Verbs

Here’s a list of action verbs, including resume action verbs. Resume action verbs help describe previous work experience and show off your accomplishments without using the same words repeatedly.

Common Action Verb Examples

Arrive	Ask	Bake
Build	Buy	Cry
Dance	Dream	Drink
Eat	Go	Help
Kick	Laugh	Listen
Move	Open	Play
Read	Run	Walk

Resume Action Verbs

Achieved	Built	Delivered
Designed	Founded	Hired
Improved	Increased	Integrated
Maximized	Organized	Overhauled
Oversaw	Pioneered	Planned
Reduced	Simplified	Streamlined
Supervised	Transformed

See if you can form in your own action verb definition. Now that you’ve seen a list of action verbs and resume action verbs, why not take some time to learn about MLA format and APA format? Once you’re done, let’s move on to discussing the linking verb.

What is a Linking Verb?

To be, to feel, and to become are linking verbs examples. But what are linking verbs specifically? Before you read a linking verb definition, look at this useful reference on linking verbs and check out the examples of linking verbs they provide.

What is a linking verb? A linking verb connects a subject to the words that describe what the subject is. Linking words, unlike action verbs, do not describe actions. Instead, a linking verb definition describes a state of being.

Examples of Linking Verbs

Examples of linking verbs include: to be, to become, and to seem. These three examples are always linking verbs. In addition, you have a linking verb: to appear, to feel, to look, to smell, to sound, and to taste. These words act as either action or linking verbs, depending on whether they express an action or not. Here are some linking verb examples.

• Pete is my favorite dog.
• That car was incredibly fast.
• I am happy that I passed my math exam!
• The house smells like the ocean breeze.
• Nancy feels a bit sick today.

Although linking verbs such as, smells and feels, can describe actions in the above examples, they help connect the subject to the predicate. They aren’t used in these examples of linking verbs to express any action but instead describes a state of being. Sometimes an action word can be considered both an action or a linking verb. Linking verb examples include remain, prove, and grow but depending on the context in which the word is used can also be defined as action words.

Add this to your linking verb definition and you are one step ahead of the game in knowing linking verbs. Answering what is a linking verb and continuing reading will help you further your understanding.

What are linking verbs? Use these examples of linking verbs when someone asks what is a linking verb? You’ll be able to write up your own linking verb definition in no time and create personalized linking verb examples. Quick tip: Is your next academic paper due soon? Try out the paper checker from Citation Machine Plus. In addition, Citation Machine Plus also comes with tools for creating citations in MLA format and more citation styles.

What is a Helping Verb?: The Auxiliary Form

In some sentences you have multiple actions or linking verbs. One action or linking verb is often more important in the sentence than the other. The second action or linking verb simply provides additional meaning and assists the main word. Turns out a helping action assists with answering what are linking verbs and linking verb examples.

So, what is a helping verb exactly? Well, a  helping word adds both emphasis to your sentences and describes the possibility of something happening. There are two types of helping verbs: auxiliary and modal.

Auxiliary words include the tenses of to be, to have, and to do. If you find a sentence with multiple action or being words, such as to be, to have, or to do, then you know these words are in their auxiliary form. Here are some helping verb example sentences that include an auxiliary:

• Jacob is running another marathon this weekend.
• Her father has not made dinner for us yet.
• I am reading my favorite book right now.

What is a Helping Verb?: The Modal Form

The second type of helping verb is known as a modal. Modals include the words: can, could, might, may, should, shall, will, would, must, and ought to. You can use a modal helping verb to discuss possibility and obligation. Here is a modal helping verb example:

• May I use your bathroom please?

More than likely you can, but there’s a chance that whoever you’re asking will not let you use the bathroom.

• You must make this basket to win the game!

You might need to, but there’s a chance that you miss the basket and lose the game. 

• Could Steve give me a hand with the groceries?

Helping words can also be used in the past perfect, present perfect and future perfect tenses. Look at these examples of a helping word at work:

• He will finish doing his chores before playing outside.
• Lily has delivered the packages to the post office.
• My uncle has a lot of board games to pass the time with.  

As you can see the perfect tenses are italicized whereas the helping verbs are bolded. In this case, the tenses takes the form of to be and to have as the helping verb in the sentence indicating points in time when the verb was or will be completed. The bolded word is identified as the main verb.

One more thing before jotting down what is a helping verb; adverbs that appear in between action words do not count as helping words. For example words like not, always, never, often and sometimes are just some of the few. Think you’re an expert now? Try creating your own bullet points or test yourself on what is a helping verb. Mastery over helping verbs doesn’t come overnight and will truly help you define what is a linking verb and a linking verb definition. 

Now you know all about the types of action, linking, and helping verbs and their many forms! Use them to accurately describe who you are and the actions you’ll take in your writing and speech. See if you can answer the following and practice resume action verbs:

• In your own words, what is a helping verb and can it help define what is a linking verb?
• What are linking verbs?
• Examples of linking verbs that can be action verbs?
• What are your own linking verb examples?
• Your own action verb examples?
• What is an action verb?
• What are some good resume action verbs?
• What are the differences between a helping verb, action verb, and a linking verb?

In everything we do, there is involved an action or motion which helps us complete the sentence. Any word which helps us in describing the physical action or the mental action is known as ‘verbs’. The verbs are used to make a sentence sound sensible.  Let’s learn more about verbs for kids.

The Action Words are Known as Verbs.

Physical Verbs

Physical verbs are also known as action verbs. Examples of physical verbs are — 

• She sells flowers in her lane.

• Matt swept the kitchen floor.

Mental Verbs

Verbs which consist of meanings that are related to the concepts are called mental verbs. For example:

• She knows the puzzle by heart.

• Ram believes honesty is the best policy. 

How Do You Recognise a Verb?

A verb can be identified by the location of the subject. Verbs mostly come after a noun or a pronoun which are referred to as the ‘subjects’ in a sentence. 

For example, Ram was thinking about a plan. 

Here, the verb is ‘thinking’, which comes after the subject ‘Ram’.  Other examples are as follows:

• Steve eats his lunch slowly.

• We went to the shop to buy flowers.

• You write very neatly on the board.

• They thought about a brilliant magic trick for the function. 

What are the Types of Verbs for Kids? 

There are many types of verbs that are used for various actions. Let us have a look at the list of verbs:

1. Action Verbs

2. Transitive Verbs

3. Intransitive Verbs

4. Auxiliary Verbs

5. Stative Verbs

6. Modal Verbs

7. Phrasal Verbs

What are Action Verbs?

Run is an Action Verb

Action verbs describe the action that is represented in the sentence and complete a sentence. Action verbs are as follows:

1. Run

2. Dance

3. Slide

4. Jump

5. Think

6. Do

7. Go

8. Stand

9. Smile

10. Listen

What are Transitive Verbs?

Love is an Example of the Transitive Verb.

Verbs that represent any doable activities which affect someone or something are called transitive verbs. For example:

1. Love

2. Respect

3. Tolerate

4. Believe

5. Maintain

What are Intransitive Verbs?

These verbs also represent doable actions. But they are very much different from transitive verbs as there is no presence of any direct object which is required to be followed by the intransitive verbs. Intransitive verbs include:

1. Walk

2. Laugh

3. Cough

4. Play

5. Run

What are Auxiliary Verbs?

These are the connecting verbs. They connect the main verbs in the sentence. Examples are:

1. Would

2. Should

3. Do

4. Can

5. Did

6. Could

7. May

What are Stative Verbs?

Stative verbs represent actions which are displayed while it is stated. They relate to the thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses etc. Examples of static verbs are:

1. Disagrees

2. Doubts

3. Believes

4. Wanted

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are the verbs that express possibilities, abilities, permissions and even obligations. Examples include, 

1. Should 

2. Must

3. Would

4. May

What are Phrasal Verbs?

These verbs are not a single one-word verb, rather they relate to a complete phrase. Examples of phrasal verbs are:

1. Run out

2. Get out

3. Face up

4. Hand out

5. Think Through

6. Run across

In this article, we have learned about different types of verbs. Verbs are integral elements of a sentence. It helps students to understand the structure of the sentence. There are other components of sentences such as preposition, adjective, noun, etc. are also present. Students must know all these components. To know and learn these components, visit our website. 

State verbs and Action verbs — глаголы состояния и глаголы действия в английском языке

Глаголы английского языка, как известно, делятся на много категорий: с точки зрения переходности и непереходности, по роли в предложении (основные и вспомогательные), относительно образования форм (правильные и неправильные). Есть еще одна классификация, которая не имеет такого четкого отражения в русском языке, – это state verbs and action verbs, или, как их называют, глаголы состояния и действия.

Это деление играет в языке довольно важную роль, так как от типа используемой формы во многом зависит то, как будет строиться предложения, а также какое время нужно будет употребить. Для того чтобы разобраться в обоих видах, необходимо определить, когда используются типы, и какое употребление для них характерно.

Action Verbs

C английскими глаголами действия все довольно просто: это формы, которые способным образовывать длительное время и показывать процесс (их иногда называют dynamic verbs). Перечислить весь список таких слов будет весьма проблематично, так как их много. Проще говоря, это стандартные слова-действия, которые передают не ощущения, а реальный процесс – run, read, swim, follow, etc.

Стативные структуры имеют иной принцип образования и использования, поэтому на их особенностях, как грамматических, так и лексических, стоит остановиться более подробно.

State Verbs

Глаголы состояния в английском языке называются так не просто так. Дело в том, что использоваться они могут исключительно для того, чтобы показать определенную фазу действия, его состояние, а не длительный процесс. Характерная особенность этой категории, что в ней используются глаголы, не употребляющиеся в Present Continuous и любом другом длительном времени. Статичные глаголы имеют несколько подвидов, все из которых не употребляются в Continuous по характерным для английского языка причинам. Вот примеры того, какие глаголы состояния принято выделять:

• глаголы чувств, то есть те, которые передают эмоциональное состояние человека – love, hate, like, adore, etc.;
• глаголы восприятия, которые отображают не эмоции, а физические чувства, через которые человек воспринимает окружающий мир. К словам чувственного восприятия относятся observe, hear, see, smell, etc.;
• статические слова, подчеркивающие умственную деятельность – know, understand, believe, suppose, etc.;
• state verbs, отображающие абстрактные отношения – belong, possess, have, etc.;
• действия, выражающие желания и намерения – wish, intend, want, etc.

Note: довольно часто даже такие слова, которые не употребляются в длительных конструкциях, могут использоваться для отображения процесса. Актуальны такие ситуации в тех случаях, когда значение подобных глагольных меняется, т. е. они приобретают иной, не свой классический смысл. Яркий пример – smell (пахнуть) и smell (нюхать). В первом случае образовать Continuous нельзя, а во втором можно. Или вот: admire в значении «восхищаться» и admire как «любоваться». Принцип такой же, как и в примере со smell.

Both State and Action Verbs

Правило деления слов-дейтствий на action и non-action verbs не всегда является жестким. Дело в том, что есть ряд структур, которых нельзя стопроцентно отнести ни к одной, но ко второй категории, то есть они могут и иметь, и не иметь форму Continuous в зависимости от ситуации.

В таких формах довольно большое значение имеет перевод. Наиболее часто любой из таких глаголов используется конкретном контексте, на который обязательно следует обращать внимание. В зависимости от того, какое значение приобретает слово, употребляется та или иная структура.

К этим действиям относятся такие, как see, have, think, etc., то есть те, которые фактически могут быть длительными, но при необходимости показывают определенное состояние. Вот несколько примеров того, как это выглядит:

· I think she will return as soon as she passes the last exam. Я думаю, она вернется, как только сдаст последний экзамен (глагол think передает значение «полагать, считать»)

· I’m thinking about tomorrow’s conference; don’t bother me. Я думаю о завтрашней конференции, не мешай мне (think передает значение «размышлять», т. е. показывает мыслительный процесс)

Вот еще одна пара, которая также часто имеет двойственность образования:

· We have a car, and we don not want to buy another one. У нас есть машина, и мы не хотим покупать еще одну (have передает абстрактное понятие владения)

· John will call you later; he is having dinner now. Джон перезвонит тебе позже, он сейчас ужинает (have употребляется в Continuous, так как это слово часто входит в состав различных устойчивых выражений: have shower, have dinner, etc.)

Отточить свои навыки в сравнении этих двух категорий помогут различные упражнения со сравнением action и state verbs. Таблица с regular и irregular verbs поможет без труда найти нужный вариант, если речь идет тех конструкциях, которые не имеют длительности. Осознавать эту разницу довольно важно, так как от типа используемой формы во многом зависит то, как будет строиться предложение и какие временные структуры в нем должны быть использованы.

Глаголы состояния в английском языке

Английские глаголы делятся на разные группы в зависимости от анализируемых признаков. Одной из классификаций английских глаголов выступает передача состояния или действия объекта речи. Согласно этому подходу выделяются глаголы действия и глаголы состояния в английском языке. Вторые также условно называются статическими. И в этой статье мы уделим пристальное внимание именно им.

Какие глаголы относятся к классу stative verbs?

Чтобы понять разницу между этими двумя группами глаголов, надо рассмотреть оба типа. Несмотря на то, что названия довольно понятны, давайте обратимся к определениям и вспомним сначала, чем различаются глаголы состояния и действия в английском языке.

Dynamic verbs (или глаголы действия ) – это те лексические единицы, которые обозначают активные физические действия, совершаемые объектом. То есть это то слово, которое описывает конкретное действие заметное окружающим и носит конкретный физический характер. Например, to drink (пить), to jog (бежать трусцой), to eat (кушать), to read (читать), to walk (прогуливаться) и т.д.

Stative verbs (так называемые статические глаголы или глаголы состояния ) – это те лексические единицы, которые передают чувства, ощущения, желания, умственные процессы или физические состояния говорящего или иного объекта. То есть это некие абстрактные глаголы, действия которых неуловимы глазом. К таким словам относятся to feel (чувствовать), to know (знать), to hate (ненавидеть), to dream (мечтать), to respect (уважать), to forgive (прощать) и т.д.

Типы глаголов состояния

Список глаголов состояния в английском языке довольно обширен. В зависимости от значения выделяют несколько групп статических (статичных) глаголов. Причем разные источники классифицируют рассматриваемые глаголы по-разному: некоторые источники делят их на 4 группы, а в некоторых выделяют 6 типов. Ниже мы рассмотрим более подробную классификацию, состоящую из 6 групп.

Глаголы физического восприятия

Здесь понятно из названия, что в этот класс входят лексические единицы, которые обозначают восприятие и абстрактные ощущения, полученные с помощью органов осязания и обоняния. Например, to taste (чувствовать на вкус), to hear (слышать), to observe (наблюдать), to smell (иметь запах), to notice (замечать), to see (видеть).

Это слова, которые передают чувства и эмоции говорящего или объекта высказывания. Эти глаголы сообщают об эмоциональном состоянии. К этой группе можно отнести to hate (ненавидеть), to adore (обожать), to detest (питать отвращение), to love (любить).

Как это понятно из названия, эти глаголы передают желания и намерения. К ним относятся to wish (желать), to want (хотеть), to desire (желать).

Эти слова отвечают за передачу в речи процессов, происходящих в голове. В эту группу входят такие глаголы, как to remember (помнить), to consider (рассматривать), to understand (понимать), to imagine (представлять), to recall (вспоминать), to trust ( доверять) и т.д.

Это лексические единицы, которые обозначают, что что-либо принадлежит чему-либо или кому-либо. Помимо этого, они обозначают отношения между объектами. Например, в эту группу входят следующие глаголы: to consist (состоять), to possess (владеть), to require (требовать), to belong (принадлежать), to lack (не хватать), to suffice (быть в достаточном количестве), to differ (отличаться).

В последнюю группу входят все оставшиеся глаголы, которые не вошли ни в один из вышеперечисленных классов. Это такие слова как to keep doing (продолжать делать), to agree (соглашаться), to surprise (удивляться), to sound (звучать), to prefer (предпочитать), to forgive (прощать), to envy (завидовать), to satisfy (удовлетворять) и т.д.

Тонкости использования в речи

Несмотря на это строгое правило, английский язык был бы не английским, если бы в нем не нашлось место для исключений. Итак, если вы все же встретили глаголы состояния с окончаниями – ing , не пугайтесь! Ведь в изучаемом языке действительно допускается употребление статических глаголов в форме continuous , хоть это и противоречит основному правилу.

Когда же можно употреблять глаголы состояния в длительной форме?

1. Глаголы to see, to appear, to smell, to taste, to feel, to look, to think могут обладать признаком глагола как динамического, так и статичного вида в зависимости от значения. To see (dynamic) будет переводиться как «встречаться», а to see (stative) – как «видеть». To smell (dynamic) – нюхать, а to smell (stative) – пахнуть. To feel (dynamic) – трогать, to feel (stative) – чувствовать.
2. Глагол to have в составе устойчивых выражений и фразовых глаголов может приобретать окончание формы continuous . Например, to have breakfast, to have a shower.

I have a bike. – У меня есть велосипед.

I’m having breakfast. – Я завтракаю.

I’m hating the way you behave! – Мне ужасно противно то, как ты себя ведешь!

Несмотря на то, что, на первый взгляд, кажется, что глаголов очень много и их трудно запомнить, это не так. Они довольно легко откладываются в памяти и не вызывают трудностей в использовании. Простая, составленная вами таблица глаголов состояния в английском поможет в изучении данной темы.

Language matters in a resume.

Imagine this:

You’re a busy HR manager, and you read hundreds, even thousands, of resumes every day.

And every single one of them sounds the same.

“Responsible for”

“Critical Thinker”

“Team Player”

You’re bound to see these words on just about every single resume.

And guess what? They’re boring.

That’s where power words come in. They make your responsibilities and achievements really pop!

So, do you want your resume to really stand out? Use some of these 340+ action words:

Why Power Words Matter 

Power words help show off your top achievements in the best way possible.

Don’t believe us? Let’s compare an example with and without power words.

• Spearheaded company X’s content marketing operations.

• Responsible for content marketing at company X.

See the difference?

Both of these examples say exactly the same thing.

The main difference is that the second wording makes you seem a LOT more competent.

Something to keep in mind — power words, action words, action verbs, and so on are synonyms. So, don’t be surprised to see that we use them interchangeably in this article!

Other than allowing you to stand out, action words can also be used to say one thing in different ways. We’ve seen way too many resumes that have “Responsible for” all over the place!

So, instead of:

• Responsible for managing company X’s Instagram account.
• Responsible for connecting with influencers in the niche.

You could say:

• Managed company X’s Instagram account.
• Connected with popular influencers in the niche.

In this article, we have conveniently grouped 340+ action words to help you upgrade your resume descriptions:

• Resume Power Words for Team Work and Communication
• Resume Action Words Management and Leadership Achievements
• Resume Power Words to Showcase your Creativity
• Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments
• Resume Action Verbs for Research, Analysis, and Planning
• Resume Power Verbs for “Support”
• Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Improved”
• Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible For”
• Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”
• Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use”
• Resume Power Adjectives

How to use Resume Action Words [+Examples & Tips]

Action words can really spice up your resume if done right.

Now, we’re going to explain all the do’s and don’t of using power verbs…

Which power words should you use? 

The type of power words you use will depend on the position you are applying for. 

Do a detailed scan of the job posting and single out the key responsibilities and requirements. 

Determine which of your abilities and experiences apply to those job requirements. 

Then, look for power words in our list that describe those achievements. 

Pretty straightforward, right?

Although the power words will be specific to the position you are applying for, there are some general rules to follow: 

• Choose resume power words that can be measured. This way you can follow the power word with a tangible achievement, for example: “enhanced customer base by 35%.”
• Don’t use subjective words. “I’m amazing at”, “I’m incredible at” aren’t as pleasing to hear as you might think. These statements make you appear self-involved, which recruiters find appalling. Don’t tell them you’re amazing, show them with a measurable power word!

How often should you use power words? 

Sadly, just like with anything good in life, action words will lose their value if you overdo it. Instead of power words, they’ll just look like sprinkled mambo-jumbo that doesn’t mean anything.

Also, your resume is swamped with power words, your hiring manager might get turned off and think you’re trying too hard. 

A good rule to follow is to not add more than one or two action verbs in a sentence. 

Use them appropriately and moderately. 

340+ Resume Action Verbs And Power Words [w/ Examples]

Resume Power Words for Teamwork and Communication

If your job was to give guidance or communicate information to a team, you:

• 1. Advised
• 2. Advocated
• 3. Clarified
• 4. Corresponded
• 5. Defined
• 6. Gathered
• 7. Ignited
• 8. Informed
• 9. Interpreted
• 10. Persuaded
• 11. Publicized

• Gathered external data for the project-planning personnel and advised on the implementation of capital projects. 

When you were part of a team:

• 12. Aided
• 13. Enabled
• 14. Encouraged
• 15. Facilitated
• 16. Fostered
• 17. Inspired
• 18. Supported
• 19. Collaborated

• Made a $6M merger through collaboration with an international team.

When you supervised a team: 

• 20. Guided
• 21. Evaluated
• 22. Instructed
• 23. Mentored
• 24. Motivated
• 25. Regulated
• 26. Taught

• Mentored 5 startup founders in the last 2 years. 

Resume Action Words for Management and Leadership Achievements

When you reach a goal:

• 27. Achieved
• 28. Attained
• 29. Strengthened
• 30. Initiated
• 31. Coordinated
• 32. Developed
• 33. Managed
• 34. Orchestrated

• Coordinated data integrity within the company’s applicant tracking system. 
• Strengthened the sales and service culture through coaching and guidance. 

When you gave a different approach to solving a problem:

• 35. Implemented
• 36. Recommended
• 37. Overhauled
• 38. Improved
• 39. Streamlined 
• 40. Prioritized

• Improved and tuned networking equipment and overall computer network. 

When you worked with other people:

• 41. Motivated
• 42. Supervised
• 43. Delegated
• 44. Chaired

• Supervised and motivated a team of 5+ sales associates. 

Resume Action Words to Showcase your Creativity 

When you helped the company innovate or launch something new:

• 45. Conceptualized
• 46. Designed
• 47. Devised
• 48. Determined
• 49. Drafted
• 50. Formulated
• 51. Introduced
• 52. Initiated
• 53. Launched
• 54. Originated
• 55. Spearheaded

• Designed a new feature on a mobile equation solving app. 

When you worked on an established idea:

• 56. Adapted
• 57. Applied
• 58. Built
• 59. Condensed
• 60. Customized
• 61. Fashioned
• 62. Integrated
• 63. Modified
• 64. Patched
• 65. Piloted
• 66. Shaped
• 67. Revitalized

• Built the company sales processes ground-up.

When you introduced a finished project:

• 68. Displayed
• 69. Modeled
• 70. Launched
• 71. Performed
• 72. Pioneered

• Launched an e-commerce website to take the company business online. 

Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments

When you worked with data, statistics or numbers: 

• 73. Audited
• 74. Budgeted 
• 75. Calculated
• 76. Converted
• 77. Crafted
• 78. Documented
• 79. Estimated
• 80. Inventoried
• 81. Programmed 
• 82. Projected 
• 83. Recorded
• 84. Verified

• Calculated monthly and quarterly investment forecasts.

When you corrected mistakes and errors:

• 85. Debugged
• 86. Diagnosed
• 87. Established
• 88. Fixed
• 89. Rectified
• 90. Lessened
• 91. Reconciled
• 92. Remodeled
• 93. Rebuilt
• 94. Upgraded
• 95. Corrected

• Debugged internal operating system issues, reducing company cost by 15%

When you kept company processes flowing seamlessly: 

• 96. Conserved
• 97. Maintained
• 98. Operated
• 99. Regulated
• 100. Refined
• 101. Simplified
• 102. Standardized

• Maintained design production under an extremely tight budget. 

Resume Action Verbs for Research, Analysis, and Planning

When you prepared or helped prepare an event:

• 103. Assembled
• 104. Conducted
• 105. Organized

• Organized meetings and handled all correspondence for the Scranton branch.

When you analyzed a new idea:

• 106. Experimented
• 107. Detected
• 108. Discovered
• 109. Measured
• 110. Mapped
• 111. Probed
• 112. Searched
• 113. Surveyed
• 114. Studied

• Surveyed and documented weekly performance reports on a new marketing strategy.

When you analyzed existing practices and ideas:

• 115. Analyzed
• 116. Assessed
• 117. Clarified
• 118. Checked
• 119. Examined
• 120. Explored
• 121.Evaluated
• 122. Investigated
• 123. Quantified
• 124. Reviewed
• 125. Tested
• 126. Tracked
• 127. Convert

• Converted data into actionable insight, boosting revenue by 5%

When you contributed to solving a problem:

• 128. Critiqued
• 129. Diagnosed
• 130. Identified
• 131. Invented
• 132. Proved
• 133. Solved

• Provided an extraordinary customer service experience, solved customer issues and upsold other products or services. 

Resume Power Verbs to Use For “Support”

When you were supportive of others through words: 

• 134. Advised
• 135. Answered
• 136. Clarified
• 137. Motivated
• 138. Collaborated
• 139. Fielded
• 140. Guided
• 141. Intervened
• 142. Referred
• 143. Resolved

• Motivated co-workers by rewarding positive behavior, encouraging optimism and stimulating teamwork.

When you were supportive of others through actions: 

• 144. Aided
• 145. Assisted
• 146. Contributed
• 147. Provided
• 148. Volunteered

• Volunteered in 3 non-profit social organizations.

When you taught others:

• 149. Coached
• 150. Counseled
• 151. Demonstrated
• 152. Educated
• 153. Informed 

• Consulted 5 startups that became successful scaleups in Europe and together received investments of over €28 million.

Resume Power Words to Use as a Replacement for “Improved”

Did you leave the company you worked for better than when you came in? 

That’s cool, but if you say you “improved” something four times in a row, it loses its impact.

Use the list below to mix it up:

• 154. Amplify
• 155. Boosted 
• 156. Converted
• 157. Customized
• 158. Elaborated
• 159. Grew
• 160. Integrated
• 161. Lifted
• 162. Merged
• 163. Overhauled
• 164. Raised
• 165. Redesigned
• 166. Refined
• 167. Remodeled
• 168. Reorganized
• 169. Restructured
• 170. Revamped
• 171. Saved
• 172. Slashed
• 173. Streamlined
• 174. Strengthened
• 175. Updated
• 176. Upgraded 

• Boosted the AdWords click-through rates (CTR) from 25% to 37% without additional costs, which increased monthly sales by $5,000. 

Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible for”

Using “responsible for” in a resume gets old fast. Instead, use these alternative verbs that *pop*:

• 177. Accomplished
• 178. Acquired
• 179. Achieved
• 180. Acted As
• 181. Completed
• 182. Created
• 183. Executed
• 184. Finished
• 185. Forged
• 186. Made
• 187. Navigated
• 188. Negotiated
• 189. Operated
• 190. Partnered
• 191. Performed
• 192. Prepared
• 193. Produced
• 194. Secured
• 195. Succeeded In
• 196. Undertook

• Navigated three simultaneous projects between 3 departments within the budget limit. 

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”

Most of your job descriptions will be describing things you contributed to. This makes it tough to be original and show value.

In this case, you should try to be as specific as possible by giving details about your accomplishments. 

Here’s a list to help you replace the overused “worked on” and show value:

• 197. Arranged
• 198. Compiled
• 199. Composed
• 200. Constructed
• 201. Created
• 202. Developed
• 203. Engaged In
• 204. Fashioned
• 205. Forged
• 206. Formulated
• 207. Made
• 208. Made Progress On
• 209. Operated
• 210. Organized
• 211. Perfected
• 212. Prepared
• 213. Pursued
• 214. Put Together
• 215. Set-Up
• 216. Undertook

• Created over 25 professional logos for companies in multiple industries, from small startups to large corporations.

Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use” 

Instead of “utilize” or “use” replace them with these power words:

• 217. Apply
• 218. Adopt
• 219. Deploy
• 220. Employ
• 221. Exert
• 222. Handle
• 223. Mobilize
• 224. Operate
• 225. Promote
• 226. Profit by
• 227. Put to Use
• 228. Restore
• 229. Revive
• 230. Resort to
• 231. Specialize in

• Handled full sales cycle for the company’s three biggest clients.

Resume Power Adjectives [w/ Examples]

Power adjectives have the same function as power verbs, but instead, they are…you guessed it: adjectives.

Unlike power verbs, you can use power adjectives beyond describing Professional Experience.

In this section, we’ll cover how to use power adjectives in your resume summary, professional experience, and skills.

Then, we’re going to give you a complete list of the best power adjectives you can use in your resume.

Using Buzz Adjectives in the Resume Summary Section

The resume summary section is a short pitch to your prospective employer. You use it to summarize your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

When done right, adding some power adjectives can help your resume summary stand out.

Take a look at these examples:

• Caregiver with 5+ years of extensive experience. Recognized for providing heartfelt emotional support to clients. 

• Loving caregiver who has been working in an elderly home for 5 years. The perfect choice for delivering emotional support to clients.

The first example focuses on the candidate’s personal qualities, rather than her skills. Whereas the second example is professional and leaves a much more powerful impact. 

Want to know how to write the perfect summary for your resume?

Check out our complete guide, filled with professional examples and practical tips!

Using Power Adjectives in the Professional Experience Section

When you are describing your professional experience, power adjectives should be used sparingly. 

You already have plenty of action verbs in there, so don’t double down on the power words by adding an adjective. It’s either one or the other. 

Take a look at this example on how they can be strategically placed in a job description:

• Developed harmonious relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in higher overall patient happiness.

• Developed relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in overall patient happiness.

Using Power Adjectives in the Skills section

Don’t use power adjectives as a skill on their own. Don’t list “Intelligent” or “Professional” as a skill. Those are subjective personal traits.

Instead, use power adjectives only when they affirm your competency in another skill.

For example:

French and German vs Fluent in French and German 

Management skills vs Strong Management Skills 

The Best Power Adjectives [Divided by Category] 

Power Adjectives for Analytical Thinking

Are you constantly doing work that calls for putting your thinking hat on? 

This list is perfect for describing the detailed, calculating tasks you complete on a daily basis. 

They’re usually valuable for industries that require complicated critical thinking: IT, finance, telecommunications, engineering. 

• 232. Astute
• 233. Insightful
• 234. Methodical
• 235. Practical
• 236. Calculating
• 237. Intelligent
• 238. Meticulous
• 239. Shrewd
• 240. Complex
• 241. Investigative
• 242. Objective
• 243. Strategic
• 244. Discerning
• 245. Logical
• 246. Perceptive
• 247. Thoughtful

Power Adjectives for Creativity 

Use the adjective list below to describe creative work: 

• 248. Cutting-edge 
• 249. Imaginative 
• 250. Novel 
• 251. Sophisticated 
• 252. Elegant 
• 253. Ingenious 
• 254. Progressive
• 255. Unique 
• 256. First-class 
• 257. Innovative 
• 258. Revolutionary 
• 259. Unprecedented 
• 260. Groundbreaking 
• 261. Inventive 
• 262. Robust 
• 263. World-class

Power Adjectives for Productivity

• 264. Accomplished 
• 265. Economical 
• 266. Instrumental
• 267. Skilled 
• 268. Adept 
• 269. Expert 
• 270. Productive 
• 271. Skillful 
• 272. Advanced 
• 273. Fluent 
• 274. Proficient 
• 275. Strong 
• 276. Competent 
• 277. Ideal 
• 278. Profitable 
• 279. Superior 
• 280. Constructive 
• 281. Industrious 
• 282. Significant 
• 283. Qualified 
• 284. Cost-effective 
• 285. Influential 
• 286. Smooth 
• 287. Quality

Power Adjectives for Dedication

Recruiters love seeing genuine interest from a candidate. The words below are great for showing your dedication and high-spirits:

• 288. Committed
• 289. Devoted 
• 290. Genuine
• 291. Sincere 
• 292. Dedicated 
• 293. Earnest 
• 294. Keen 
• 295. Spirited 
• 296. Determined 
• 297. Energetic 
• 298. Passionate 
• 299. Wholehearted

Power Adjectives to Describe Hard Work

Are you a diligent and driven person? Are you prepared to pull up tiring all-nighters to complete important projects? 

Here are some adjectives that compliment your hard work: 

• 300. Alert 
• 301. Driven 
• 302. Motivated 
• 303. Thorough 
• 304. Attentive
• 305. Enterprising 
• 306. Persistent 
• 307. Tireless 
• 308. Concerted 
• 309. Focused 
• 310. Studious 
• 311. Vigorous

Power Adjectives to Describe You as Organized and Systematic

• 312. Businesslike
• 313. Detail-oriented
• 314. Smooth
• 315. Systematic 
• 316. Controlled 
• 317. Orderly 
• 318. Step-by-step 
• 319. Timely 
• 320. Detailed 
• 321. Precise 
• 322. Structured

Power Adjectives for Communication and Teamwork 

Being friendly, understanding and sociable are key qualities for anyone working in a team setting or with customers and clients on a daily basis. 

Use these words to help describe your skills:

• 323. Amiable
• 324. Cheerful 
• 325. Cooperative 
• 326. Personable 
• 327. Amicable 
• 328. Clear 
• 329. Cordial 
• 330. Pleasant 
• 331. Articulate 
• 332. Coherent 
• 333. Courteous 
• 334. Positive 
• 335. Calm 
• 336. Cohesive 
• 337. Diplomatic 
• 338. Respectful 
• 339. Charming 
• 340. Conscientious 
• 341. Harmonious 
• 342. Team-minded

Resume Buzzwords to Avoid 

Buzzwords are the opposite of power verbs.

They’re boring, overused, and hated by managers world-wide.

Here are some of the most popular buzzwords you should avoid:

• Excellent 
• Go-Getter 
• Hard worker
• Strategic thinker
• Outside the box
• Responsible for
• Expert
• Innovative
• Specialized in
• Creative
• Synergized
• Go To
• Results-driven
• Team Player
• Detail Oriented
• Focused
• Ninja
• Super 
• Great
• In charge of 

Key Takeaways

Here’s everything we learned in this article:

• You can use power words to spice up your resume and add variety to your language. They are mostly verbs but can also be adjectives.
• To decide which power words to use, do a detailed scan of the job listing and identify the key responsibilities the employer is looking for. Your power words will be emphasizing how you have shown these traits. Be careful not to use more than one power word per sentence.
• Try using power verbs more often than power adjectives. It’s all about action!

Looking for more ways to improve your resume?

Suggested readings:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+ Examples]
• How to List Education On a Resume [13+ real-life examples]
• What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [for 2023]