Year 4 English: Use Action Verbs

What Are Action Verbs?

Hello, everyone! Today, we’re going to learn about action verbs. Action verbs are words that show what someone or something is doing. They are important because they make our writing lively and interesting!

Why Use Action Verbs?

When we use action verbs, we can:

• Make our sentences stronger.
• Help readers understand what is happening.
• Add excitement to our stories.

Examples of Action Verbs

Here are some action verbs you might know:

• Run
• Jump
• Swim
• Read
• Dance

Let’s see them in sentences:

• The dog runs in the park.
• She jumps over the puddle.
• He swims like a fish.
• I read my favourite book.
• They dance at the party.

Key Rules for Using Action Verbs

1. Choose the Right Verb: Make sure the verb matches the action you want to describe.
   • Example: If someone is moving quickly, use “run” instead of “walk”.
2. Be Specific: Instead of saying “do”, use a more specific action verb like “create” or “make”.
   • Example: Instead of “She did a drawing”, say “She created a beautiful drawing.”
3. Use Different Verbs: Try to use a variety of action verbs to keep your writing interesting!
   • Example: Don’t always say “said” – use “whispered”, “shouted”, or “exclaimed”.

Tips and Tricks

• Visualise the Action: Picture what the action looks like. It can help you choose the best verb.
• Ask Questions: What is happening? Who is doing it? This can lead you to the right action verb.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you write, the better you’ll get at using action verbs!

Questions about Action Verbs

Easy Level (1-20)

1. What is an action verb?
2. Write an action verb that means to run fast.
3. Is “read” an action verb? (Yes/No)
4. Give an example of an action verb related to sports.
5. Write a sentence using the action verb “jump”.
6. What action verb would you use for cooking?
7. Which is an action verb: “happy” or “dance”?
8. Write a sentence with the action verb “sing”.
9. What does the action verb “swim” mean?
10. Can you name two action verbs that start with the letter “s”?
11. Write a sentence using the action verb “draw”.
12. Is “play” an action verb? (Yes/No)
13. What action verb means to move quickly on foot?
14. Write a sentence using the action verb “climb”.
15. What is the opposite of the action verb “push”?
16. Name an action verb that means to move in a circle.
17. Write a sentence with the action verb “talk”.
18. What action verb would you use for eating?
19. Write a sentence using the action verb “run”.
20. Is “jumping” an action verb? (Yes/No)

Medium Level (21-40)

21. Why are action verbs important in writing?
22. Write a sentence using the action verb “whisper”.
23. Give an example of an action verb that means to move your body to music.
24. What action verb means to look at something carefully?
25. Write a sentence that shows someone is “cooking”.
26. What action verb would you use for someone who is cleaning?
27. Is “smile” an action verb? (Yes/No) Explain why.
28. Write a sentence using the action verb “explore”.
29. What does the action verb “laugh” mean?
30. Name three action verbs that involve movement.
31. Write a sentence with the action verb “build”.
32. What action verb means to travel on water?
33. Write a sentence using the action verb “discover”.
34. Give an example of an action verb related to games.
35. What action verb would you use when someone is helping?
36. Write a sentence that uses the action verb “teach”.
37. Which action verb means to move up?
38. Write a sentence using the action verb “create”.
39. What is an action verb that shows a strong emotion?
40. Is “run” a better verb than “move”? Explain your answer.

Hard Level (41-60)

41. How can using action verbs improve your writing?
42. Write a short paragraph using at least three different action verbs.
43. What action verb would you use for someone who is making music?
44. Give an example of an action verb that means to share something.
45. Write a sentence using the action verb “perform”.
46. What does the action verb “celebrate” mean?
47. Name an action verb that describes a sport.
48. Write a sentence showing the action verb “organise”.
49. How do action verbs help the reader picture the scene?
50. Write a sentence using the action verb “discover” in a different tense.
51. What action verb means to write quickly?
52. Give an example of an action verb that describes a journey.
53. Write a sentence using the action verb “fix”.
54. What action verb would you use for someone playing an instrument?
55. How does using stronger action verbs change a simple sentence?
56. Write a sentence that uses the action verb “explore” in past tense.
57. What action verb would you use for someone who is encouraging?
58. Write a sentence using the action verb “challenge”.
59. Can you think of an action verb that means to decorate?
60. Why is it important to use a variety of action verbs in your writing?

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. Action verbs are words that show what someone or something is doing.
2. Sprint.
3. Yes.
4. Kick.
5. The frog jumps high.
6. Cook.
7. Dance.
8. The bird sings beautifully.
9. It means to move through water.
10. Swim, skip.
11. I love to draw pictures.
12. Yes.
13. Run.
14. I like to climb trees.
15. Pull.
16. Spin.
17. I talk to my friends.
18. Eat.
19. The athlete runs fast.
20. Yes.

Medium Level Answers

21. They make writing lively and easy to understand.
22. She whispers a secret.
23. Dance.
24. Observe.
25. I cook dinner every night.
26. Clean.
27. Yes, because it shows an action.
28. They explore the cave together.
29. To express happiness.
30. Run, jump, climb.
31. He builds a tall tower.
32. Sail.
33. I discover new places.
34. Kick.
35. Assist.
36. The teacher teaches well.
37. Climb.
38. I create art.
39. Love.
40. Yes, because it describes a specific action.

Hard Level Answers

41. They make it more engaging and clear.
42. The cat jumps, the dog runs, and the child laughs.
43. Play.
44. Share.
45. The actors perform on stage.
46. To enjoy an event.
47. Swim (swimming).
48. She organises the books.
49. They help the reader see what’s happening.
50. I discovered new things.
51. Scribble.
52. Travel.
53. I fix my bike.
54. Play.
55. It makes them more interesting and exciting to read.
56. I explored the forest.
57. Support.
58. I challenge myself to do my best.
59. Adorn.
60. To keep the reader interested and engaged.

Feel free to ask any questions if you need more help understanding action verbs! Happy writing!