If the verb can be used with be verb + ing, it is likely a true action verb.

Stative verbs do not work with the progressive tense. – Action: I drank some caffeine yesterday. – Stative: Cara knows every grammar rule you can imagine. Need, want, own, have, believe and love are examples of stative verbs. These describe a state of being rather than an action. The Difference Between Action Verbs and Non-Action VerbsĪs there are opposites in all things, there are also non-action verbs, also known as stative verbs. Can kids play? Yes, so play is an action verb. To identify an action verb, just ask yourself if a person or thing can do it. – I ran down the track at lightning speed. – The thunder rumbled ceaselessly as the storm rolled in. The action verb definition is this: they express what a person, an animal, a force of nature or really anything at all can physically do.

What is an action verb? In reality, action verbs are quite possibly the easiest verbs to define. Writing is much the same, no matter if you’re writing a research paper, a novel or a blog post action verbs keep things interesting. Action is often what keeps viewers tuned in (and not falling asleep). Most movies I enjoy need to have clever dialogue, a strong plot line and plenty of action. I have a specific set of criteria when I choose to go see a movie.