Difference Between Verbs and Action Verbs definition with Example

Verbs are an essential part of English because they tell us what is happening in a sentence. But not all verbs work in the same way. Some verbs simply show a state or condition, while action verbs show what someone is doing. Understanding the difference between these two helps students write clearer sentences and express ideas more accurately. In this article, you will learn the Difference Between Verbs and Action Verbs with a simple definition and easy examples. This friendly and meaningful introduction will help learners of all levels understand verbs in a clear and confident way.

What Are Verbs?

A verb is a word that tells us what happens, what something is, or what condition exists.
A verb may show:

• An action
• A state
• A condition
• A feeling
• Existence or being

Verbs are the heart of every sentence because they tell us something about the subject. Without a verb, a sentence is incomplete.

Examples of Verbs in Sentences

• She is happy. (state)
• They feel tired. (condition/feeling)
• The baby sleeps peacefully. (action)
• Birds exist in many colors. (existence)
• He has two books. (possession)

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What Are Action Verbs?

Action verbs are verbs that show physical or mental actions. These verbs tell us what a person, animal, or thing does.
Action verbs show movement, activity, or any task performed by the subject.

Examples of Action Verbs in Sentences

• She runs every morning. (physical action)
• They write notes in class. (physical action)
• I think about my goals. (mental action)
• The dog jumps over the fence. (physical action)
• Students solve problems carefully. (mental action)

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Key Difference Between Verbs and Action Verbs

To understand the difference more clearly, look at the simple explanation below:

• Verbs include all types of verbs: action, linking, auxiliary (helping), state, and condition verbs.
• Action verbs are a category of verbs. They only express actions done by someone or something.

Comparison Table

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Detailed Explanation: Verbs vs. Action Verbs

1. Verbs Can Show States or Conditions

Not all verbs show action. Some only describe a condition or state of being.

Examples:

• is, am, are, was, were
• seem, appear, become
• feel, look (when they describe condition, not action)

Sentence Examples

• She is tired.
• They seem confused.
• The sky looks clear.

These verbs do not show any physical or mental action. They only describe a state.

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2. Action Verbs Only Show Doing Words

Action verbs tell us what someone is doing. They can be:

• Physical actions (run, jump, cook, drive)
• Mental actions (think, decide, imagine, plan)

Sentence Examples

• The chef cooks delicious food.
• I decide my goals wisely.
• Children play in the park.

Every action verb answers the question:
“What is the subject doing?”

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3. All Action Verbs Are Verbs, But Not All Verbs Are Action Verbs

This is the most important point for ESL students.

• “Run” is an action verb → it shows action.
• “Is” is a verb → but not an action verb.
• “Think” is an action verb → mental action.
• “Seem” is a verb → but not an action verb.

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Types of Verbs That Are Not Action Verbs

To understand the difference better, here are some verb types that do not show action:

1. Linking Verbs

They connect the subject to its description.

Examples:

• be, am, is, are, was, were
• become, seem, appear

Sentence:

• She is a teacher.

2. Helping (Auxiliary) Verbs

They help the main verb show time or mood.

Examples:

• will, shall, has, have, had
• can, could, may, might
• do, does, did

Sentence:

• They are playing cricket.

3. State Verbs

They show feelings, thoughts, or conditions.

Examples:

• know, believe, own, belong, like, love

Sentence:

• I believe you.

These verbs do not express an action, so they are not action verbs.

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Examples: Verbs and Action Verbs in Comparison

Here is a clear view for students:

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How to Identify an Action Verb in a Sentence

Use this simple test:

Step 1: Find the verb.
Step 2: Ask, “Is this something a person or object can do?”
If the answer is yes, it is an action verb.

Example:

• She laughs loudly.
  Can she “laugh”? Yes → Action verb.

Another example:

• He is tall.
  Can he “is”? No → Not an action verb.

Examples of Verbs and Action Verbs in English

Verbs Sentences	Action Verbs Sentences
She is happy today.	She runs every morning.
They are in the garden.	He kicks the ball hard.
He was tired after work.	She paints beautiful pictures.
The baby seems hungry.	They build sandcastles at the beach.
She feels cold tonight.	He throws the keys to me.
The weather looks nice.	She opens the window slowly.
He becomes quiet in class.	They clean the room together.
The soup tastes good.	He writes notes carefully.
She has many ideas.	She cuts the vegetables quickly.
They want more time.	He carries the bag for her.
He likes warm tea.	She claps for the singer.
The movie starts soon.	They jump over the puddle.
She knows the answer.	He fixes the bicycle easily.
He thinks about his work.	She grabs the last cookie.
They live near the park.	He catches the ball fast.
She needs some help.	They push the door open.
He believes in hard work.	She lifts the heavy box.
They feel very welcome.	He washes the car outside.
She understands the lesson.	They plant trees in the yard.
He remembers your name.	She throws the paper away.

List of Verbs and Action Verbs in English

• be
• have
• do
• seem
• feel
• appear
• become
• know
• think
• want
• need
• like
• love
• hate
• prefer
• believe
• understand
• remember
• forget
• mean
• hope
• decide
• agree
• allow
• belong
• start
• stop
• include
• suggest
• consider

Action Verbs List

• run
• jump
• walk
• talk
• write
• read
• sing
• dance
• cook
• clean
• cut
• open
• close
• carry
• lift
• push
• pull
• throw
• catch
• build
• draw
• paint
• clap
• climb
• swim
• smile
• shout
• fix
• wash
• plant

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