What Are Action Verbs? How to use Dynamic Verbs in Writing
Action verbs express action and things that happen. In a sentence, the action verb describes the activity or event performed by the subject.
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Action verbs, also called dynamic verbs, express actions and things that happen. Action verbs in a sentence describe the activities of a subject.
Just as there are thousands of actions people and things can perform, the English language has thousands of action verbs to describe them.
In this guide, learn about what action verbs are and discover examples of dynamic verbs in writing.
Then, conveniently review your grammar, punctuation, and spelling with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.
Action Verbs vs. Stative Verbs
Action verbs are one of the basic verb types in the English language. There are several categories of verbs, but when discussing action verbs, the type of verb that is closest to the opposite of an action verb is a stative verb.
- Action verbs: Expresses an action.
- I ran to the store.
- They eat too much candy.
- They always work on Monday.
- Stative verbs: Express a state of being, condition, perception, emotion, or cognition.
- I agree the coffee tastes bitter. (perception)
- She has an amazing coffee machine. (state of being/possession)
- They think that’s the best recipe for apple pie. (perception)
Verbs That Can Be Active or Stative
Depending on the context of a sentence, some verbs can be used as an action verb in one sentence but a stative verb in another.
If the verb is being used to describe an action someone or something is performing, it’s an action verb. If it’s being used to describe a state of being or perception, it’s stative.
- The coffee tastes delicious. (stative)
- I tasted the coffee. (action)
- Your rose garden smells divine. (stative)
- I smelled those roses. (action)
- The flowers look so nice today! (stative)
- I looked at the report. (action)
2 Types of Action Verbs
Action verbs can be transitive or intransitive.
1. Transitive verbs
A transitive verb needs a direct object (the noun phrase that says who or what is receiving the action) for the sentence to be complete.
- I tasted the coffee. (verb: tasted, direct object: coffee)
- I smelled those roses. (verb: smelled, direct object: those roses)
2. Intransitive verbs
An intransitive verb does not use a direct object. It works on its own as the predicate of a sentence. A modifier or adverbial phrase can also follow an intransitive verb.
- The person walked.
- The person walked quickly.
Action verbs aren’t the only verbs that can be transitive or intransitive. Stative verbs can also be divided into these two categories as well.
Why Use Action Verbs?
In writing, action verbs deliver just what they promise: the action of each sentence.
The stronger and the more precise the action verb, the more vivid the writing. Most common action verbs have stronger, more specific action verbs to help paint a better picture for a reader.
- The birds sing a beautiful melody in spring!
- The birds chirp a beautiful melody in spring!
- I wanted to send my report to the team by Monday.
- I wanted to deliver my report to the team by Monday.
Action Verbs in Business and Marketing
Whether writing a resume and cover letter, crafting marketing copy, or putting together a business-related document, using action verbs is crucial to conveying the most impactful message.
Example of action verbs in business writing:
- I worked in marketing and sales.
- I managed product design and executed an annual sales plan.
- Our sales increased this year.
- Sales outpaced projections and surpassed expectations this year.
Action verbs describe the actions of the subject they are linked to, so when they are used mindfully and strategically, action verbs can reflect strength (such as sales surpassing expectations or a job candidate managing product design).
Examples of action verbs in marketing writing:
- Shop now at our year-end sale!
- Unlock our app’s latest features!
- Save 50% with our long weekend sale!
Then, in marketing materials, action verbs are typically used to drive engagement and encourage users to take action. They are a primary part of what’s commonly referred to in marketing as CTAs (calls-to-action) such as “Buy now” or “Shop today.”
Action Verbs: Final Thoughts
Action verbs are fundamental to writing. Including action verbs correctly throughout your content, business writing, or marketing communications helps to keep your audience engaged and encourages them to take action as part of the customer journey.
Make editing and proofreading your copy for the correct use of action verbs, spelling, and grammar a breeze with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.
Then, learn more grammar best practices in our top resources:
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