Action words are simple words and phrases that describe what people, animals, or things are doing. This lesson is designed for kids and beginner English learners who want to learn everyday action vocabulary with pictures and examples. You will learn common action words such as sharing, cleaning, swimming, counting, and flying a kite.
These words are especially useful for making simple English sentences, describing daily activities, and talking about hobbies or things you see around you.
Action Words for Kids and Beginners
- Sharing
- Playing cards
- Playing instrument
- Playing chess
- Bathing
- Skateboarding
- Cycling
- Playing volleyball
- Shouting
- Lifting
- Cleaning
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Camping
- Flying a kite
- Counting
- Fishing
Learn this action words list to improve and enlarge your vocabulary about verbs. These examples are simple, visual, and easy for young learners or A1-A2 beginners to remember.
Related: For a larger grammar-focused list, see this action verbs list in English.
Action Words with Pictures and Examples
Sharing
The act of giving or receiving something with others.
- Example: The children were sharing their toys with each other.
Playing cards
A game played with a deck of cards.
- Example: We spent the evening playing cards and having fun.
Playing an instrument
The act of making music with a musical instrument.
- Example: I love the feeling of losing myself in the music when I’m playing an instrument.
Playing chess
A two-player strategy board game.
- Example: He’s really good at playing chess and enjoys challenging opponents.
Bathing
The act of washing oneself or someone else.
- Example: After a long day at work, she enjoys bathing in a hot tub.
Skateboarding
A sport that involves riding on a skateboard.
- Example: He loves skateboarding and often practices in the park.
Cycling
The act of riding a bicycle.
- Example: We went cycling in the countryside and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
Playing volleyball
A team sport played with a ball over a net.
- Example: The girls were playing volleyball on the beach and having a great time.
Shouting
Speaking loudly to get someone’s attention or express strong emotions.
- Example: He was shouting for help when he got stuck in the elevator.
Lifting
The act of raising something up or carrying something heavy.
- Example: He was lifting weights at the gym to build his muscles.
Cleaning
The act of making something clean and tidy.
- Example: She was cleaning the house before her guests arrived.
Swimming
The act of moving through water using one’s body.
- Example: The children were swimming in the pool and having fun.
Surfing
A water sport that involves riding waves on a surfboard.
- Example: He went surfing in Hawaii and caught some amazing waves.
Camping
The act of staying in a tent or other temporary shelter outdoors.
- Example: We went camping in the mountains and enjoyed the fresh air and scenery.
Flying a kite
The act of launching and controlling a kite in the air.
- Example: The children were flying a kite in the park and having fun.
Counting
The act of determining the number of something.
- Example: She was counting the money in her wallet to make sure she had enough for dinner.
Fishing
The act of catching fish, usually for sport or food.
- Example: He loves fishing and often goes to the lake on weekends to catch trout.
Action Words vs. Action Verbs
Action words are often used in beginner lessons to show actions in a simple, visual way. They may appear as single verbs, such as cleaning or counting, or as short activity phrases, such as playing cards and flying a kite.
Action verbs are verbs that describe actions in a sentence, such as run, read, write, jump, and think. If you want a fuller list by verb type, visit our action verbs vocabulary lesson.