Action verbs vs Dynamic verbs in English Grammar

Action verbs vs Dynamic Verbs! Among the types of verbs, we have studied action and dynamic verbs. Both represent a state of being. Their function is to represent an action and show the work done. But today, we will learn the difference between action verbs and dynamic verbs.

Table of Contents

What are Action Verbs?

Action verbs represent physical or mental actions. These represent any of the work done by the subject of a sentence. Action verbs enable the writer or speaker to engage the audience, by creating a vivid picture.

Examples:

Run
Jump
Write
Sing

What are Dynamic Verbs?

Dynamic verbs differ from action verbs, as they represent the work done or the action, with respect to time. So, dynamic verbs represent actions or work, happening over regular intervals of time or continuously.

Examples:

Grow
Change
Develop
Increase

Action Verbs vs Dynamic Verbs

Dynamic Verbs and Action Verbs represent the same thing. But, there’s a key difference. Action Verbs only represent the action. Dynamic Verbs show actions, concerning the time, they represent change or progress.

The following table best describes the difference between dynamic verbs and action verbs.

Aspect	Action Verbs	Dynamic Verbs
Definition	Action verbs represent completed actions, or actions happening at any particular time, the instantaneous actions.	Dynamic Verbs represent actions over time. These denote change or process. There may be ongoing or temporary actions, or changes in power, energy, or intensity.
Examples	He left.	She is writing.
Usage	These represent specific actions or events.	These represent continued actions or states.
Characteristics	These are not generally used in continuous or progressive forms. For Example, She writes.	These are used in continuous forms (progressive forms). For example, she is writing.
Focus	Represent the completed action or the result.	Represents change, process, or duration.