Action Verbs vs Non Action Verbs Explained for Beginners

Action verbs vs non action verbs are two types of verbs that help us describe different things. Action verbs show something that is happening, like running, eating, or playing. These verbs tell us about actions we can see or do.

Non-action verbs describe states, feelings, or conditions, such as love, know, or believe. They talk about things we feel or think, rather than physical actions. Understanding the difference between these verbs helps us communicate more clearly.

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What Are Action Verbs?

Action verbs describe actions that are physically or mentally performed by a person or thing. They convey what someone or something is doing. These verbs are dynamic and typically refer to activities, processes, or bodily movements. learn more about the types of verbs to understand how different verb categories function in sentences.

Examples of Action Verbs:

Physical Actions	Mental Actions
run	think
jump	imagine
swim	believe
write	consider
eat	remember

Key Points to Remember:

Action verbs can often be visualized or demonstrated. For example, run or write can be physically performed.
They show an activity that the subject is engaged in.

Example Sentences:

She ran to the store.
I am thinking about my next vacation.

What Are Non-Action Verbs?

Non-action verbs, also known as stative verbs, refer to conditions or states of being. These verbs express emotions, relationships, senses, or existence rather than actions. Non-action verbs describe something that exists or is rather than something being done.

Examples of Non-Action Verbs:

State of Being	Emotions	Senses
be	love	hear
belong	hate	smell
own	need	taste
seem	prefer	see
know	want	feel

Key Points to Remember:

Non-action verbs cannot be visualized because they refer to abstract states, thoughts, or relationships.
They are usually not used in the progressive (continuous) form.

Example Sentences:

I own a new laptop.
She feels happy today.

Differences Between Action and Non-Action Verbs

While both types of verbs are essential in sentence construction, their usage is different. Let’s compare them in more detail:

Aspect	Action Verbs	Non-Action Verbs
Definition	Verbs that show physical or mental actions	Verbs that show a state, emotion, or condition
Can be visualized?	Yes	No
Used in continuous form?	Yes (e.g., She is running)	No (e.g., I know vs. I am knowing)
Examples	run, eat, jump, think	know, love, belong, seem

Action Verbs vs Non Action Verbs Chart

Common Mistakes When Using Action and Non-Action Verbs

Many beginners struggle with using these two types of verbs correctly, especially when it comes to progressive tenses (the -ing form).

Mistake 1: Using Non-Action Verbs in Continuous Forms

Non-action verbs are typically not used in continuous forms because they refer to states rather than actions.

Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.
Correct: I know the answer.

Mistake 2: Confusing Action Verbs with Non-Action Verbs

Sometimes, students confuse certain verbs like think or have, which can act as both action and non-action verbs depending on the context.

Think (Action): I am thinking about dinner. (Refers to a process of thinking.)
Think (Non-Action): I think you’re right. (Refers to a state of opinion.)

How to Identify Action and Non-Action Verbs

If you’re unsure whether a verb is an action or non-action verb, ask yourself:

Can this verb show something happening?
- If yes, it’s likely an action verb. For example, run, dance, talk.
Can I use this verb in a continuous form?
- If not, it’s probably a non-action verb. For example, belong, know, seem.

Mixed Verbs: Verbs That Can Be Both Action and Non-Action

Some verbs in English can function as both action and non-action verbs depending on the context. These are known as mixed verbs. Let’s take a look at some examples:

Verb	Action Use	Non-Action Use
think	I am thinking about my homework. (Action)	I think he’s right. (Non-action)
have	I’m having lunch. (Action)	I have a car. (Non-action)
see	I’m seeing the doctor today. (Action)	I see the problem. (Non-action)

Action Verbs vs Non-Action Verbs Example Sentences

Action Verbs	Non-Action Verbs
She runs every morning.	He knows the answer.
I cook dinner every night.	She believes in honesty.
They play football on weekends.	He seems tired today.
He drives to work every day.	I remember the story.
The baby cries loudly.	She wants a new car.
We build sandcastles on the beach.	He likes chocolate cake.
She paints beautiful pictures.	I need some help with this task.
They climb mountains in the summer.	She understands the lesson well.
He writes letters to his friends.	He owns a small shop in town.
I read books every night.	She loves her new puppy.
We walk to school every day.	He hates getting up early.
They jump in the pool to cool off.	She appears nervous before the test.
He sings in the choir.	He believes in hard work.
I type emails at work.	She owns a beautiful house.
We drive to the mall on Saturdays.	I feel happy today.
She exercises at the gym.	He knows all the details.
They laugh at the joke.	She wants to travel soon.
I swim in the lake every summer.	He likes watching movies.
He fixes cars for a living.	She thinks it’s a good idea.