Grammar Tips & Articles »

action verb

This Grammar.com article is about action verb — enjoy your reading!


47 sec read
5,980 Views
  Ed Good  —  Grammar Tips
Font size:

An action verb denotes physical, mental, or even emotional activity. The word run is obviously an action verb. But so is think.

Every action verb is either transitive or intransitive. A transitive verb is one that can attach directly to a noun (the direct object of the verb). An intransitive verb cannot attach directly to a noun; an intransitive verb needs a preposition to form a relationship with a noun.

Thus, the action verb hit is transitive. You can hit a ball.

But the action verb proceed is intransitive. You proceed with the investigation.

Many action verbs have both transitive and intransitive definitions. The verb run is intransitive, as in run across the field. But it is also transitive, as in She runs the organization.

Top writers develop their writing styles around the action verb.

The other verbs in the English language, which are not action verbs, are (1) the verb to be, (2) the linking verb, and (3) the auxiliary verb.

Rate this article:

Have a discussion about this article with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this article to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "action verb." Grammar.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.grammar.com/action-verb>.

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Browse Grammar.com

    Free Writing Tool:

    Instant
    Grammar Checker

    Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE!


    Quiz

    Are you a grammar master?

    »
    Identify the sentence with correct use of the comparative adverbs:
    A She sings more beautifully than anyone in the choir.
    B They reached the destination sooner than us.
    C He finished the race more quicker than the other athletes.
    D She speaks English more fluently than him.

    Improve your writing now:

    Download Grammar eBooks

    It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages.