action words for essays and tests

• Library Catalogue

Exam Preparation: Understanding Action Words in Questions

Exam and assignment questions typically contain one or more key question words.

• Watch for and circle these key words whenever you read assignment or exam questions.
• Below are listed typical question words, their meanings and possible response strategies.

Separate and examine the elements

• Break the question/subject into its major parts
• Describe, define, explain, or interpret each part
• Explain how parts relate to each other
• Judge overall quality of what has been analyzed

Defend a position

• Provide reasons in support of your position
• Refute objections to your position
• Provide your objections to the opposing position(s)

Use an abstraction to explain a concrete situation

• Show how an abstract idea, concept, principle, model or method explains a concrete situation or solves a problem

Offer statements on something

• Critique, discuss, evaluate, explain, or illustrate the meaning of something and its implications

Demonstrate the similarities and differences between 2+ items

• Identify elements the comparison will be based on
• For each element, describe and support how items are similar or different
• Evaluate overall commonality and its significance in relation to what is being asked in the question

Demonstrate the differences between 2+ items

• Identify elements that contrast will be based on
• For each element, describe and support how items are different
• Evaluate overall distinction and its significance in relation to what is being asked in the question

Make informed and discriminating judgments

• Identify positive/negative merit, validity/fallacy, etc.
• Offer support for your judgments

State precisely the meaning of ‘something’

• Give precise meaning in concise manner
• Meaning is usually specific to the academic discipline

Demonstrate

Explain/describe by use of experiments, examples, etc.

• Depending on context, ‘demonstrate’ could mean: to prove, provide evidence, or illustrate with an example

Give a mental picture or idea

• Identify main aspects, characteristics, components, and qualities
• Clarify through illustration, comparison, and contrast

Explore various points of view

• Identify viewpoints and their respective positive/negative aspects
• Evaluate the positive and negative merits of a matter to provide an overall judgment on its validity, strength or worth

Determine the value of something

• Identify criteria by which something will be measured
• Appraise degree to which the matter satisfies the criteria
• Provide reasons that justify your appraisal
• Support your reasons with evidence and illustrations

Make plain or understandable

• In Science: provide a detailed presentation of the elements required to obtain the product
• In Social Sciences & Humanities: identify factors that influence outcome; provide evidence for each factor and demonstrate how factors are related

Give a brief, condensed account

• Include conclusions
• Avoid unnecessary details

Sources: Ellis, D. Becoming a Master Student .  Canadian 2nd ed. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin Company  1998 and Canadian 4th  ed.  Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.  Wood, N. College Reading and Study Skills . 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1986.  Learning Skills Program @ University of Victoria Simplified Plans of Action for Common Types of Question Words

80+ List of Action Words To Describe Daily Activities

Writing about actions can convey someone’s characteristics better than exposition; read on to discover our top list of action words for writers.

What Are Action Words?

List of action words printables, physical action words, mental action words, sound action words , fight action words , creation action words, game action words, business action words.

Action words describe actions, states, opinions, senses, or needs. Writers use them to portray how characters move or think, how a scene unfolds, and more. Some action words have intent or context behind them, while others have a more general use. Below is a list of various action words writers use in literature and that you can use in your works:

These action words have a very physical aspect. Writers use them to describe small and large actions. 

• Arrange The librarian would tirelessly arrange all the books to match her standards. 
• Draw In the old days in Africa, women went to the river to draw water for their families. 
• Enter Pests can easily enter your house if you don’t seal the windows and doors properly. 
• Slept Some of my best memories of my cats were when they slept on my lap while I worked.
• Touch When you’re visually challenged, the tricky part about having a touch phone is knowing where to press it. 
• Run Depending on how many apps your phone needs to run , it can lag or shut down entirely. 
• Wear Shania doesn’t wear wool sweaters because she has very sensitive skin.
• Bike The kids will bike through here on weekends and evenings.
• Hug Tristana gave little Lulu a warm hug and Teemo a scathing look. 
• Snore You may loudly snore because you sleep on your back, so try sleeping sideways.
• Dance Her gracefulness as an acrobat showed in their wedding dance . Check out our list of grammar words .

Mental action words relate to the mind, thoughts, and other similar factors. Writers use them to specify an idea, cerebral action, or feeling. 

• Decide Realtors won’t bother you for a few days to give you time to decide . 
• Fear The tricky part about studying an uncommon fear like thalassophobia is that you can’t find statistics about it. 
• Love All Shiloh ever wanted was to feel her mother’s love . 
• Remember Does anybody remember that weird and funny anime about personified countries being friends and enemies simultaneously?
• Surprise In our country, surprise birthday parties are considered rude if not everyone in the family gets one.
• Understood Our teacher wanted to teach us a lesson about kindness, but the message we understood was that money is power. 
• Think Do you think the boys will see The Devil Wears Prada as a psychological thriller as we do?
• Promise A church marriage is a sacred promise between a man and a woman. 
• Dislike I don’t dislike him for his personality, but I hate the agenda he’s pushing toward me. 
• Forgotten In Harry Potter, an orb called the Remembrall will remind you if you’ve forgotten something, but it won’t tell you what it is. 
• Perceived The other cats perceived Grizabella as a washed-out glamour cat that left their community for fame. 
• Count Annie will say, “let’s count to five,” referencing her passive that can stun targets at the fifth use of her abilities. 
• Pretend Out of all the Crain children, Luke was the one whom we thought was playing pretend with ghosts but was playing with an actual girl. 
• Learn Clara’s father was shocked to learn she had become a runaway bride. 

Sound action words are words that describe certain sounds. The words could also be the same sounds they’re representing, like onomatopoeias. Writers use them to give readers an idea of the type of sounds in their stories or writing. 

• Meow In Barbie: The Princess and the Pauper, one of the cats, would bark instead of meow . 
• Holler I heard that it’s tradition and common practice to holler “timber” when lumberjacks cut down a tree.
• Whistle You’ll know if the older security guard is the one coming towards the station because he likes to whistle as he makes his rounds. 
• Humming The worst thing I heard at night was a lady humming from my hallway when I was alone.
• Whisper Selena would always whisper endearing words to her daughter as she kissed her goodnight. 
• Click 

You can click your tongue in different ways by positioning the organ against different parts of the palate. 

• Bang Mr. Walt shared how five different kids have asked him if the Big Bang created a loud bang . 
• Tweets Hearing the lively tweets of birds in the mornings is always a refreshing way to start your day. 
• Clap We saw the lightning first and heard the loud clap of thunder two and a half seconds later. 
• Buzzing The man found it difficult to sleep with the constant buzzing of mosquitos in his ear. 
• Booed The crowd booed the athlete for his unsportsmanlike behavior. 

Fight action words are words used when describing an altercation or fight. Each word has a specific action and implication, so use them wisely when you write. 

• Punch The neighbors often saw the woman punch her male companion, both jokingly and seriously. 
• Argued Helen’s parents often argued loudly during her childhood, causing her to become loud and argumentative. 
• Rampage The storm’s rampage caused mud floods and destroyed property in the small town of Banaue, Ifugao. 
• Kick He knew we couldn’t kick him out of the team because of his skill, which only made him more arrogant. 
• Thrashed My brother’s favorite part of the movie was when King Kong thrashed around New York and climbed up the Empire State Building. 
• Brawls Many young men still join bar brawls , thinking it makes them look powerful and irresistible to women. 
• Shot Harambe held no hostility in its facial expressions or body language, but they shot him anyway. 
• Devour Gracie’s biggest contender against Gordon Ryan was Pedro Marino, but watching the match was like watching a tiger devour a kitten. 
• Scrimmages Being a wrestler and former professional football player, Roman Reigns is no stranger to scrimmages . 
• Uncoiling In boxing, you must twist your fist when you throw a punch, like uncoiling a spring. 

Creation action words inform readers of the beginning or inception of an item, idea, action, and others.  Before diving in, read our guide on how to boost your creative thinking . 

• Build A big advantage of being an engineer is that you can build your own house and save on labor costs. 
• Invented If you invented this machine, can you tell us how it works? 
• Design My aunt loves to design fashionable clothes, but my grandmother wanted her to become a nurse. 
• Installed The building mechanic expertly installed our air conditioning unit and even shared some AC maintenance tips. 
• Create How many layers did she use to create that strawberry shortcake? 
• Innovated Almost no idea is original anymore, so I innovated something new out of what’s already available. 
• Concocted If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the drink Kenny concocted was tacky and overused. 
• Produced Twin Electronics is proud to report that we’ve produced and sold over 1.5 million gaming units this year alone. 
• Hatch The thieves will hatch one of the best heists but fail to make a Plan B. 
• Write I wonder if she remembers when we all used to write stories together as close friends. 

These action words are words writers use when tackling games, sports, and other similar activities. Consider using these words when you need to write about game-related activities. 

• Chase We only allow the children to chase each other around the playground between 9 AM and 10:30 AM. 
• Duck When the machine whirls its giant arm into you, you must duck or risk falling into the pit. 
• Playing Lizzie never tired of playing board games and tabletop games with her children, enhancing their imaginations and family bonds. 
• Participate Mikey and Nikki wanted to participate in this year’s online tournament but couldn’t because of the slow internet. 
• Hunt More and more horror video games are now adopting the idea of having the main character hunt down the monsters instead of the other way around. 
• Race Is there a secret to Midnight Mare’s outstanding race performances?
• Hide He wanted to hide his injury from his teammates so he could stay on the playing team. 
• Hop I don’t remember the rules for hopscotch, but I remember that we had to hop from one number to another. 
• Wrestle Melinda has expressed her wishes to wrestle with the boys, but the federation forbade it. 
• Winning: Playing martial arts isn’t about winning fights but developing discipline, integrity, and a strong mindset. 
• Lost Shihan was glad he lost the first fight against a much larger opponent without injury. 

Business action words often occur in an office, establishment, or other similar areas. 

• Copying I didn’t know this type of work was as simple as copying and pasting text from one document to another. 
• Submit Fiona had gone out to submit her transfer request earlier this morning. 
• File I didn’t file for leave last year because my boss disapproved of them. 
• Encode You could encode your data faster if you only learned the proper hand positions. 
• Delivered Brianna prepared and successfully delivered a beautiful speech during the meeting.
• Represent Your team leader will represent your department in the forthcoming nationwide company event. 
• Manage Have you tried managing an office full of frustrated actors and ex-convicts? 
• Sell Aaron wanted to sell the homemade jam to his coworkers to earn extra money.  
• Train As an office manager, one of your jobs is to guide and train fresh recruits. 
• Repair Our neighbors called an expert plumber to repair their piping last week. 

We’ve published several different resources like these for writers. Check out our list of the best question words .

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

View all posts

Action Words in English – Explore How to Use Them With Examples

Table of Contents

Action Words: Have you ever found yourself struggling to express your thoughts effectively in writing? Are your sentences lacking the punch they need to grab your reader’s attention? Well, the key might just be using action words. Vocabulary expands with the inclusion of diverse action words, empowering expression and vividly capturing dynamic experiences. Verbs, or action words, are the main components of sentences.. They make your writing lively, strong, and impactful. In this article, we’ll explore words list from A to Z , look at how they work, and show you some Interesting examples.

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

What are Action Words?

Words that are used to describe an action taken by the subject are known as action words. An action word typically appears immediately next to the subject. The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines “action” as “the process of doing something in order to deal with a situation or make something happen.” Therefore, an action word is, to put it simply, a word that is used to describe the action that the subject performs.

Examine the following list of the most often used words in everyday conversation to help you gain a deeper knowledge of the English language.

How to Use an Action Word in a Sentence?

Have you ever considered the fact that verbs are action words? Since they are verbs, employing them in sentences ought to be simple if you already know how to conjugate verbs based on their various tenses and the context in which they are used. While not all verbs are words, they are all used in the same way. For a closer look at how they function in sentences, see the examples that follow.

• She runs every morning before sunrise. (Present tense)
• He wrote a captivating story last month. (Past tense)
• They will jump over the hurdles during the race. (Future tense)
• She speaks fluently in three languages. (Present tense)
• The dancers danced gracefully on stage. (Past tense)
• He is reading an intriguing novel this week. (Present continuous tense)
• They have sung together for years. (Present perfect tense)

Popular 10 Action Words in English

Action words in the alphabetical order from a to z.

In the English language, there exists an extensive array of words depicting actions carried out by individuals or groups functioning as the subject in a sentence. Given below is an alphabetical compilation of words for your reference, providing an opportunity to enhance your vocabulary by familiarizing yourself with a wide range of verbs.

Action Words that Start with the Letter ‘A’

Action Verb that Start with the Letter ‘B’

Action verb that start with the letter ‘c’, action verb that start with the letter ‘d’.

Action Verb that Start with the Letter ‘E’

Action verb that start with the letter ‘f’, action verb that start with the letter ‘g’, action verb that start with the letter ‘h’, action verb that start with the letter ‘i’, action verb that start with the letter ‘j’, action words that start with the letter ‘k’, action words that start with the letter ‘l’, action words that start with the letter ‘m’, action words that start with the letter ‘n’, action words that start with the letter ‘o’, action words that start with the letter ‘p’, action words that start with the letter ‘q’, action words that start with the letter ‘r’, action verb that start with the letter ‘s’, action verb that start with the letter ‘t’, action verb that start with the letter ‘u’, action verb that start with the letter ‘v’, action verb that start with the letter ‘w’, action verb that start with the letter ‘y’, action verb that start with the letter ‘z’.

Also Read Related Vocabulary Topics

FAQ’S on Action Verb in the English Language

What are the 20 action words.

The 20 action words refer to a list of verbs or action-oriented words commonly used in language. Examples include: run, jump, eat, write, speak, swim, dance, sing, etc.

What are the 50 action words in English?

These words are a compilation of verbs that denote actions or activities. Some examples are: walk, talk, read, cook, listen, climb, play, study, think, etc.

What are 10 action words?

The 10 action words are specific verbs representing actions. Examples include: run, eat, sleep, dance, laugh, cry, work, play, think, speak.

What are called action words?

These are also known as verbs. They signify actions, occurrences, or states of being in a sentence. Verbs express what a subject does or is.

What are action words in the English language?

Action words, often known as verbs, are crucial elements in English grammar. They depict actions, occurrences, or states of being. Verbs enable the formation of sentences by expressing what subjects do or are.

Related content

Talk to our academic expert!

Language --- English Hindi Marathi Tamil Telugu Malayalam

Get access to free Mock Test and Master Class

Register to Get Free Mock Test and Study Material

Offer Ends in 5:00

Action Words in English Language: Boost Your Vocabulary with Powerful Verbs

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: September 5, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Action words are a crucial part of the English language, especially when it comes to writing. They are verbs that describe an action, and they add depth and detail to a sentence. Learning action words is essential for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and build their vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the importance of action words, how to use them effectively, and provide a comprehensive list of action words with their meanings.

Action Words

Understanding Action Words

As you may already know, action words are verbs that describe an action or occurrence. They are also known as action verbs and are essential in giving life to a sentence. There are two types of action words: transitive and intransitive verbs.

Examples of Action Words

Here are some examples of action words that you can use in your writing:

Importance of Action Words

Here are some reasons why using action words is important:

They add clarity and precision to your message

Using action words can help you convey your message more clearly and precisely. By using specific verbs, you can provide more information about the action or state being described. For example, instead of saying “he walked,” you could say “he sauntered,” “he strutted,” or “he limped.” Each of these verbs provides a different image and conveys a different meaning.

They make your message more engaging

Using action words can make your message more interesting and engaging. By using vivid verbs, you can paint a picture in the reader’s mind and make them feel like they are part of the action. This can help keep the reader’s attention and make them more likely to remember your message.

They create a sense of urgency

Using action words can create a sense of urgency and make your message more persuasive. Verbs like “act now,” “don’t miss out,” and “limited time offer” can create a sense of urgency and encourage the reader to take action.

They improve your writing style

Using action words can improve your writing style and make it more dynamic. By using a variety of verbs, you can avoid repetition and make your writing more interesting to read. This can help you stand out as a writer and make your message more memorable.

Types of Action Words

When it comes to action words, there are different types that you need to know. In this section, we will look at the three main types of action words: transitive verbs, intransitive verbs, and phrasal verbs.

Transitive Verbs

Transitive verbs are action words that require an object to complete their meaning. In other words, they need to have a direct object in the sentence to make sense. For example, in the sentence “I ate an apple,” the verb “ate” is a transitive verb because it requires the object “an apple” to complete its meaning. Here are some examples of transitive verbs:

• Play the guitar
• Write a letter
• Drink water

Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs, on the other hand, do not require an object to complete their meaning. They can stand alone in a sentence and still make sense. For example, in the sentence “She sings beautifully,” the verb “sings” is an intransitive verb because it does not require an object to make sense. Here are some examples of intransitive verbs:

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are action words that consist of a verb and one or more particles. The particles can be prepositions or adverbs. Phrasal verbs can be either transitive or intransitive, depending on the context of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “I’m going to look after my sister’s children,” the phrasal verb “look after” is transitive because it requires the object “my sister’s children” to complete its meaning. Here are some examples of phrasal verbs:

• Look forward to

Action Words for Resumes

When writing a resume, it’s important to use powerful action words to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. This not only helps to make your resume stand out, but it also shows employers that you are proactive and results-driven. Here are some action words that you can use to make your resume shine:

• Managed : This action word shows that you have experience in leadership and can effectively oversee a team or project.
• Collaborated : This action word demonstrates that you are a team player and can work well with others to achieve a common goal.
• Improved : This action word highlights your ability to make positive changes and enhance processes or outcomes.
• Developed : This action word shows that you have the skills to create something new, whether it be a product, program, or system.
• Achieved : This action word demonstrates that you have a track record of success and can meet or exceed goals.

In addition to these examples, there are many other action words that you can use to describe your experience and skills. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and use action words that are relevant to that position.

When using action words in your resume , it’s important to be specific and provide concrete examples of your accomplishments. For example, instead of simply saying that you “managed a team,” you could say that you “managed a team of 10 employees and increased productivity by 20%.” This not only demonstrates your leadership skills, but it also shows the impact that you had on the organization.

Action Words for Cover Letters

When writing a cover letter, you want to make sure that your language is strong and impactful. Using action words can help you achieve this goal. Action words are words that portray action and provide context to employers. Here are some action words that you can use in your cover letter to make it stand out:

• Achieved : Use this word to describe a specific accomplishment that you achieved in a previous role. For example, “I achieved a 20% increase in sales during my time at XYZ Company.”
• Collaborated : Use this word to describe a project or initiative that you worked on with others. For example, “I collaborated with a team of designers to create a new website for our company.”
• Demonstrated : Use this word to describe a skill or quality that you possess. For example, “I demonstrated excellent communication skills when presenting to clients.”
• Implemented : Use this word to describe a project or initiative that you spearheaded. For example, “I implemented a new customer service strategy that resulted in a 50% decrease in customer complaints.”
• Managed : Use this word to describe a team or project that you managed. For example, “I managed a team of 10 employees and oversaw the successful completion of multiple projects.”
• Negotiated : Use this word to describe a situation where you successfully negotiated a deal or agreement. For example, “I negotiated a contract with a new vendor that resulted in a 15% cost savings for the company.”
• Organized : Use this word to describe a project or event that you organized. For example, “I organized a company-wide charity event that raised over $10,000 for a local non-profit.”

Action Words for Job Descriptions

When writing job descriptions, it’s important to use action words to convey the responsibilities and duties of the position. Action words help to make job descriptions more engaging and interesting to read, and they also provide a clearer picture of what the job entails. Here are some examples of action words that you can use when writing job descriptions:

• Coordinated
• Established
• Implemented

Using action words like these helps to make job descriptions more dynamic and engaging. They also help to convey a sense of purpose and direction for the position, which can be attractive to potential candidates.

When using action words in job descriptions, it’s important to be specific and clear about what the job entails. For example, instead of simply saying that the candidate will “manage projects,” you could say that they will “coordinate and oversee all aspects of project planning, execution, and delivery.”

By using specific action words and phrases, you can create job descriptions that are more effective at attracting the right candidates for the position. So next time you’re writing a job description, be sure to include plenty of action words to make it more engaging and informative.

Action Words for Performance Reviews

When it comes to performance reviews, choosing the right words to describe an employee’s performance can make all the difference. Using action words can help you provide specific and objective feedback that will help your employees understand what they are doing well and where they can improve. Here are some action words that you can use in your performance reviews:

Communication

• Collaborate

Problem-Solving

Time management.

• Meet deadlines
• Manage workload
• Work together
• Build relationships

Commonly Used Action Words

When it comes to speaking or writing in English, using action words is crucial. They help to convey what is happening in a sentence and make it more engaging for the reader. Here are some commonly used action words in English:

Verbs for Physical Actions

Verbs for mental actions, verbs for emotional actions, tips for using action words effectively.

Using action words can make your writing more engaging and descriptive. Here are some tips for using action words effectively:

• Choose strong verbs: Use action words that convey a clear and specific action. Avoid weak or vague verbs like “do,” “make,” or “have.”
• Be concise: Use action words that are short and to the point. Long or complex action words can be confusing and detract from the clarity of your writing.
• Vary your word choice: Don’t overuse the same action words throughout your writing. Mix it up with synonyms and related words to keep your writing fresh and interesting.
• Use active voice: Whenever possible, use active voice rather than passive voice. Active voice is more direct and engaging, while passive voice can be dull and impersonal.
• Consider your audience: Choose action words that are appropriate for your audience and the context of your writing. Technical or specialized language may be appropriate for some audiences, but not for others.
• Use action words in moderation: While action words can be effective, using too many can be overwhelming and distracting. Use them sparingly and strategically to make the most impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of an action word?

An action word, also known as a verb, is a word that describes an action or occurrence. It can also describe a state of being. Examples of action words include running, jumping, eating, feeling, thinking, and existing.

What are some common examples of action words?

There are many action words in the English language. Some common examples include: run, jump, eat, feel, think, exist, speak, write, read, and dance.

How can action words be used in a sentence?

Action words can be used to describe what a person or thing is doing, feeling, or thinking. For example, “She ran to the store,” “He felt happy,” or “They thought about their future.”

What is the importance of using action words in writing?

Using action words in writing helps to create a clear and vivid picture in the reader’s mind. It can help to make writing more engaging and interesting. Action words also help to convey a sense of urgency or excitement.

What are some tips for using action words effectively?

To use action words effectively, try to use them in a variety of ways. Use different tenses, such as past, present, and future, to describe different actions. Use action words to show how a character is feeling or thinking. Use strong verbs to create a sense of action and movement.

How can I improve my use of action words in English?

To improve your use of action words in English, try reading books or articles that use a lot of action words. Pay attention to how the author uses action words to create a sense of movement or excitement. Practice using action words in your own writing, and experiment with different ways to use them.

Some powerful action verbs for writing include \"analyze,\" \"evaluate,\" \"synthesize,\" \"persuade,\" \"convince,\" \"justify,\" \"argue,\" \"debate,\" \"interpret,\" and \"examine.\" These verbs can help make your writing more engaging and convincing.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I improve my English vocabulary with action words?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

One way to improve your English vocabulary with action words is to read extensively and make note of any new words you come across. You can also use vocabulary-building apps and websites, such as Vocabulary.com and Memrise, to learn new words and practice using them in context.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some common action words used in research papers?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Some common action words used in research papers include \"demonstrate,\" \"establish,\" \"prove,\" \"identify,\" \"explore,\" \"investigate,\" \"examine,\" \"analyze,\" and \"evaluate.\" These verbs can help you convey your research findings and demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some action words that can be used in a resume?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Some action words that can be used in a resume include \"achieved,\" \"created,\" \"managed,\" \"organized,\" \"developed,\" \"implemented,\" \"improved,\" \"increased,\" and \"initiated.\" These verbs can help you highlight your accomplishments and skills to potential employers.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I use action words to make my writing more engaging?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

You can use action words to make your writing more engaging by using active voice instead of passive voice. For example, instead of writing \"The ball was thrown by John,\" you could write \"John threw the ball.\" Using strong action verbs can also help make your writing more dynamic and interesting to read.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some effective ways to teach action words to English learners?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Some effective ways to teach action words to English learners include using visual aids, such as pictures and videos, to help illustrate the meaning of the words. You can also use games and activities, such as charades and word association, to help students practice using action words in context. Providing plenty of examples and opportunities for practice can also help reinforce the use of action words in their writing and speaking.

• Recent Posts

• Plural of Taurus: How to Form the Plural of Taurus Correctly - October 6, 2023
• Plural of Prius: How to Properly Refer to Multiple Toyota Prius Vehicles - October 5, 2023
• Creative and Good Group Chat Names for Enjoyable Conversations - October 4, 2023

Related posts:

• Brilliant Words that Start with B to Broaden Your Vocabulary
• 50 Words that Start with K: Kicking Off Your Vocabulary
• Sensational Words: Words that Start with S for Your Vocabulary Boost!
• Words Ending in G for Fluent English: G is for the End

Programmes & Qualifications

Understanding command words.

Command words tell you how to answer a specific exam question or complete an assessment task. Below we list the command words you will see in new and revised syllabuses published from 2019 onwards. The command words published in the syllabus will be in exam and assessment materials from 2022 onwards.

The definitions will help you understand what the words are asking you to do. Any subject-specific command words will also be listed in the syllabus. The list does not include simple instruction words like write, circle or find .

• Syllabus overview
• Past papers, examiner reports and specimen papers
• Published resources

Study Toolbox: Understanding Instructional Words in Essays, Assignments & Exams

• General Study Tips
• Note Taking
• Mind Mapping
• Searching Online Databases
• Searching Business Source Complete
• Searching CINAHL Ultimate
• Searching ProQuest Central
• Searching Science Direct
• Critically Evaluating Articles
• Critically Evaluating Websites
• Using Ebook Central
• Assignment Process
• Structure of an Academic Essay
• Understanding Instructional Words in Essays, Assignments & Exams
• Essay Checklist
• Literature Review
• APA Referencing
• Studying for Exams and Tests
• Tips for taking Exams

Before you can answer a question, you need to know what it means.  When you are trying to understand the question look for instructional words, words that tell you what to do.  Examples of these are analyse, describe and review. 

Understanding Instructional Words

This table provides a list of instructional words and explains clearly what they require you to do in your essay, assignment or exam.

• Printable copy of Understanding Instructional Words This is a printable version of the table above. It provides a list of instructional words and explains what each requires you to do in your essay, assignment, test or exam.
• << Previous: Structure of an Academic Essay
• Next: Essay Checklist >>
• Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 11:37 AM
• URL: https://sitacnz.libguides.com/Study_Toolbox

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Categorized List of Action Verbs

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Media File: Categorized List of Action Verbs

This resource is enhanced by an Acrobat PDF file. Download the free Acrobat Reader

This categorized list contains only a few action verbs you can use to compose concise, persuasive , reader-centered resumes, cover letters, or other types of workplace documents. The examples are illustrations that overview the uses of action verbs in professional writing.

The media file above takes you to a sample resume containing action verbs.

Communication Skills

• Negotiated price reductions of up to 30% with key suppliers
• Interpreted financial information from the company's annual report
• Translated all relevant company information into three different languages

Other words: Advocated, Clarified, Corresponded, Encouraged, Interpreted, Negotiated, Persuaded, Presented, Publicized, Solicited, Spoke, Translated

Creative Skills

• Created an interior design layout for a 500 square foot retail venue
• Introduced a new method of navigating through the A Software Program
• Presented a new research project to the managers at the location

Other words: Acted, Applied, Composed, Created, Established, Founded, Improvised, Introduced, Navigated, Originated, Presented

Data / Financial Skills

• Computed and recorded inventory valuation on a monthly basis
• Documented inventory counts at the end of each working day
• Verified the amount owed to the creditor in the Accounts Payable account

Other words: Adjusted, Allocated, Budgeted, Compared, Computed, Counted, Documented, Estimated, Forecasted, Inventoried, Invested, Predicted, Projected, Quantified, Recorded, Retrieved, Verified

Helping Skills

• Assisted customers with choosing appropriate products
• Trained new employees in the plant through demonstration techniques
• Volunteered in the nursing home every weekend to serve the community

Other words: Aided, Assisted, Built, Demonstrated, Facilitated, Familiarized, Helped, Performed, Represented, Solved, Supported, Trained, Upheld, Volunteered, Worked

Management / Leadership Skills

• Administered a variety of surveys to collect data about the employees
• Implemented a safety communication program to promote safety awareness
• Recommended an alternative solution to one of the company's problems

Other words: Achieved, Administered, Assigned, Attained, Challenged, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Established, Executed, Handled, Headed, Implemented, Incorporated, Intervened, Launched, Led, Managed, Mediated, Motivated, Organized, Oversaw, Planned, Prioritized, Recommended, Scheduled, Supervised, United

Efficiency Skills

• Eliminated unnecessary cost of each unit of production
• Maximized profits by 15% during the month of July
• Heightened the level of employee moral through program incentives

Other words: Accelerated, Allocated, Boosted, Centralized, Downsized, Edited, Eliminated, Enhanced, Expanded, Expedited, Heightened, Lessened, Leveraged, Maximized, Merged, Optimized, Outlined, Outsourced, Prevented, Prioritized, Reorganized, Reduced, Revised, Simplified, Standardized, Stream-lined, Synthesized, Systematized, Upgraded

Research Skills

• Examined a new mechanism that may reduce sickness on the campus
• Identified a major defect in a microscopic organism last month
• Surveyed a group of Purdue students with regard to Product A

Other words: Analyzed, Collected, Compared, Controlled, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Gathered, Identified, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Reported, Replicated, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Surveyed, Wrote

Teaching Skills

• Defined a new product strategy and discussed how it would be implemented
• Instructed Department B on how to reduce inventory and raise net sales
• Prepared a tutorial manual for an English class last semester

Other words: Aided, Advised, Clarified, Communicated, Defined, Developed, Encouraged, Evaluated, Facilitated, Fostered, Guided, Helped, Incorporated, Informed, Initiated, Instructed, Lectured, Prepared, Supported, Supervised, Stimulated, Taught

Technical Skills

• Assembled an entire computer programming simulation for my CPT course
• Designed a new form of Widget C for a manufacturing facility
• Programmed three new computer programs tailored for a network system

Other words: Analyzed, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conducted, Designed, Devised, Engineered, Maintained, Operated, Programmed, Reengineered, Remodeled, Transmitted

Sources/References:

Rosalie Maggio, How to Say It, Webster's Thesaurus .

Action Verb Generator (Excel, also our favorite)

Verb Whirl (Word)

Power Verbs (Word)

Verb Finder (Excel, enabling macros is required for synonym feature)

Verb and Detail Worksheet (PDF)

Air Force Hub

© 2024 trevor barthel loon cyber consulting.

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

We are listening, send us your thoughts

Get in touch with us

Are you sure you want to logout?

Please select your grade.

• Earth and space

Action Words

Action words, often known as action verbs, are words that express an action. Something is being done.   

Jump, crawl, eat, drink, go, stop, run, walk, sleep, wash, open, close, push, pull, play, hug, tickle, dance, shake, sit, stand, toss, catch, and come etc.  The words given to the image are all called action words .

• Jumping       

Actions can be performed by animals as well. 

• The monkey is eating a banana. 

• The horse is running along the seashore. 

• Peacock is dancing in the rain. 

• The birds are singing.   

Even objects can carry out actions. 

• A moving train. 

• The airplane is flying . 

Related topics

Exploring the World of Adjectives: Types, Usage, and Examples

What are Parts of Speech? Parts of speech determine words’ grammatical and semantic position in a sentence. Activity time The parts of speech are nouns, adverbs, conjunctions, pronouns, interjections, adjectives, articles, prepositions, and verbs. Identify the parts of speech of the underlined words in the following sentences. White- Adjective Big- Adjective    Exciting- Adjectives New- […]

Memoir Writing: Basic Elements, Structures, and Types

Memoir: A memoir is a narrative written from an author’s perspective about a particular facet of his/her own life. ‘Memoir’ word comes from the French word ‘memoire’, which means ‘memory’ or ‘reminiscence’. Example Night: Elie Wiesel gives an account of how he survived his teenage years at Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps during World War […]

Identification of Main Idea in Fiction and Non-fiction

Every story or paragraph or non-fictional text has at least one main idea. The MAIN IDEA is what the text is mostly about. (It is backed up or supported by SUPPORTING DETAILS) Before discussing how to find the main idea, we shall first look at TOPIC. Can you define a topic? A topic can be […]

Writing an Article: Structure and Essential Tips

What is an article? Structure of Article Writing : Title : Draw the attention of readers with an attractive title and indicate the main topic of the article Introduction : Attract the reader’s attention with a sentence that gives a general presentation of the topic. Main Body : Between these sentences, the body should do […]

Other topics

How to Find the Area of Rectangle?

How to Solve Right Triangles?

Ways to Simplify Algebraic Expressions

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

150 Resume Action Words to Impress Employers in 2024

Action words are impactful verbs that help tell your professional story to hiring managers, and they can strengthen your resume by more specifically conveying your experience, impact, and outcomes.

The right words on your resume can say a lot, conveying your skills, expertise, and accomplishments. Not only can they help you stand out from other candidates who use plain language to describe their responsibilities and accomplishments, but they can also help you specifically express what you have to offer as a candidate and get more attention.   

Finding the best action words to capture your unique professional story can have a big impact. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use action words to talk about your work and ways you can begin looking for more impactful language to bolster your resume.  

What are action words on a resume? 

Action words are verbs that communicate your professional experience: the kind of work you’ve done, what you’ve achieved in your previous roles, and the skills you’ve developed.

Many applicants end up using similar language on their resume: perhaps they led or oversaw or assisted . While there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with these words, they’re not very dynamic or descriptive, so they don’t effectively express your unique work history, skills, and achievements. 

Why are resume action words important? 

Action words are impactful verbs that help tell your professional story—think designed rather than managed , or initiated rather than oversaw . When you choose the best words to describe your past experience and accomplishments, you help explain to a recruiter or hiring manager why you’d be a strong hire.  

It’s important that you select action words that can quantify your impact. Data has become increasingly important for businesses, and the same holds true for your resume. You should be able to provide some amount of data to quantify your impact, such as:  

Redesigned the main homepage, leading to an 18% increase in site visits

Streamlined incident response reports, reducing average time to completion from 18 minutes to 12 minutes   

Generated three new TikTok campaigns, resulting in a 32% boost in engagement across the platform   

Read more: Resume Keywords: How to Find the Right Words to Beat the ATS

150 resume action words

Looking for the right words to put on your resume?

Below, you’ll find an array of action words arranged by type of responsibility, management, and impact. Use each section as a starting point to help you think about what you’ve done and how to best describe it for a potential employer. 

General responsibilities 

These words express what you did in your previous roles based on your area of responsibility. 

Being creative in a role often means having to generate innovative ideas—or improve upon existing ones. Detail the ways in which you’ve done both with words like:  

Knowing what to look for, or even where to look for it, is a critical skill when conducting research. Show off your critical thinking and analytical skills as much as possible with words like:  

Negotiation

Finding sales leads, bridging relationships with clients or customers, and closing deals all contribute to a business’s overall financial success. Share how you’ve done that with words like:   

Many jobs require some technical or specialized knowledge. Think about the main tasks unique to your role and find action words that represent your ability to do that specific kind of work. Explore the words below to help you get started:

Read more: What Are Technical Skills?

Communications 

Communicating clearly with people inside and outside of your organization shows a potential employer that you know how to interpret and share information (and it also happens to be a valuable transferable skill ). Convey your communication abilities with words like:   

Read more: What Is Effective Communication? Skills for Work, School, and Life

Management/leadership  

Overseeing a team is a big responsibility. It means managing everything from personalities to deadlines. Detail your leadership abilities and impact with words like:  

Besides finding words that capture your responsibilities, it's important to also highlight what you’ve accomplished in your previous roles. The sections below detail more general impact as well as impact in specific areas.

General impact 

Tell a potential employer about the effect you’ve had with words that highlight how you changed something—a process or a task—and ideally created a better outcome: 

Budgeting impact 

When you’re responsible for budgeting, a potential employer likely wants to know two things: how did you save money and how did you increase profits? Find words that communicate how you achieved one or both:

Project impact 

Projects rely on timeliness, organization, and foresight. Show a potential employer how you impacted past projects—whether that meant contributing to its success or pushing it over the finish line—by choosing language that demonstrates problem solving and attention to detail:   

Customer impact 

Strong customer relationships are the backbone of a good business. Explain how you cultivated new relationships and improved existing relationships to call attention to your impact in this area:  

Tips for finding the best action words for you

The words listed above are just a starting point. Use the following tips to help you expand your resume vocabulary and find the best words possible to detail your past experience. 

1. Use a thesaurus. 

A thesaurus will give you a number of synonyms to use in place of stale or empty words. However, it’s a good idea to verify whether the word you’d like to use fully captures what you originally meant to say. For example, if you’re looking for words synonymous with managed , you’ll likely come across supervised , administered , and organized . But other synonyms, like handled or coped , might not be the best words to use because they don’t impart the leadership or strength of the original word.  

2. Avoid repeating words. 

It’s important that you don’t repeat the same words throughout your resume. Your resume should help tell your story—relying on the same language doesn’t let you express the variety, diversity, or growth of your experiences. 

3. Add an adverb to qualify your impact. 

Adverbs can help qualify your work, meaning that they express your impact in terms of degree—not data. While it’s not necessary to pair every action word with an adverb (or word that modifies a verb), it can be useful in places if you want to highlight a success. For example, instead of organized you can say successfully organized or proactively organized . 

Make your resume shine with Coursera

In addition to honing the way you describe your professional past on your resume, you can add to the credentials and technical skills you list on your resume by earning a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn valuable skills in areas like project management , UX design , data science , marketing analytics , and sales , with courses from top industry leaders like Google, Meta, IBM, and many more.  

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Have an account?

Suggestions for you See more

Subject Verb Agreement

University  , the summer of the beautiful white horse, linguistics, university -  professional development  , 8th -  9th  .

Action Words

12 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

Action words tell us _________ .

more about noun.

what we are doing.

What is the girl doing?

What is John doing?

Choose the correct answer.

My mom _____ the dinner.

Mita and Rita are _______ with the ball.

Sam is ________ .

Choose the correct action word.

Simba is eating a bug.

Tom and Jerry are drinking milk.

Snow White claps her hands happily.

Sahil is talking to his friend.

Sam is running in garden.

The boy is skipping in his room.

Explore all questions with a free account

Continue with email

Continue with phone