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SS.1 Identify and understand action verbs in sentences

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What are action verbs?

Action verbs are words that tell what someone or something does. They show an action that can be seen or felt.

Examples:
  • The dog runs fast.
  • She jumps on the trampoline.
  • We think about the story.
Note

Some action verbs show physical movement, while others show mental actions like thinking or feeling.

How do action verbs work in a sentence?

An action verb tells what the subject of the sentence is doing. The subject is the person, place, or thing the sentence is about.

Examples:
  • Maria reads every night. (Maria = subject, reads = action verb)
  • The birds sing in the morning. (birds = subject, sing = action verb)
  • He thinks about his homework. (he = subject, thinks = action verb)
Note

Always find the subject first. Then look for the verb that shows what the subject is doing.

Different types of action verbs

Action verbs can describe physical actions that you can see and mental actions that happen in the mind.

Examples:
  • Physical: run, jump, swim, write
  • Mental: think, dream, imagine, believe
Note

When reading or writing, ask yourself: is the verb showing a movement or a thought? Both are action verbs.

Using action verbs to make writing stronger

Strong action verbs make your sentences more interesting and clear. Choosing the right verb helps your reader understand exactly what is happening.

Examples:
  • Weak: She went to the park. β†’ Strong: She ran to the park.
  • Weak: He looked at the book. β†’ Strong: He studied the book.
  • Weak: They did their work. β†’ Strong: They completed their work.
Note

Choose action verbs that give the clearest picture of the action. This makes your writing lively and precise.

Action verbs in everyday writing

We use action verbs every day in speaking, reading, and writing. Recognizing them will help you become a stronger reader and writer.

Examples:
  • β€œThe teacher explains the lesson.” β†’ explains = action verb
  • β€œThe baby cries loudly.” β†’ cries = action verb
  • β€œI wonder about the story’s ending.” β†’ wonder = action verb
Note

Practice spotting action verbs when you read. The more you find them, the easier it will be to use them in your own writing.