An action verb is defined as a verb that expresses which of the following?

• A. A verb that expresses either physical or mental activity
• B. A verb that shows state of being
• C. A verb that connects the subject to a predicate
• D. A verb that always requires a direct object

Answer: (A)

An action verb expresses activity, either physical or mental. That means it shows something the subject does or thinks about doing. Examples of physical actions are run, eat, write. Examples of mental actions are think, believe, imagine. This focus on doing or processing something distinguishes action verbs from other verb types.

Verbs that express a state of being (like am, exist) describe existence or condition rather than action, so they aren’t action verbs. Verbs that connect the subject to a predicate (linking verbs like is, seem) don’t show action either; they link the subject to more information about it. And action verbs don’t always require a direct object—many can stand alone (sleep, laugh) as well as take objects.

So the best description is that an action verb expresses either physical or mental activity.