Every sentence needs a verb. Some verbs show action. Other verbs show existence.
A verb that shows action tells what the subject is doing.
Bob rode his bike. Bob is doing the riding.
Mom teaches third grade. Mom is doing the teaching.
My dog barks at strangers. My dog is doing the barking.
In each of these sentences, the subject is doing an action. Therefore, the verb is an action verb.
If the verb does not show action, it is called a linking verb and it shows existence.
Mary is a doctor.
Our dog is a poodle.
The store was closed.
In each of these sentences, there is no action. No one is doing anything. Mary is existing as a doctor. Our dog is existing as a poodle. The store is existing in a closed state.
Action verbs show the subject’s action. Existence verbs show how the subject exists.
It’s your turn. Decide if the verb in this sentence shows action or existence. Mark ran to the park. Did you figure out that Mark is doing something active? Good for you!