What is defined as a word or phrase used to assert an action or state of being?

A word or phrase that asserts an action or a state of being is known as a verb. Verbs serve as the backbone of sentences, expressing what the subject is doing (action verbs) or the condition of the subject (linking verbs). For example, in the sentence "She runs," "runs" clearly shows the action the subject is performing. Similarly, in "He is happy," "is" denotes a state of being. The role of verbs is crucial in forming meaningful statements that convey actions or conditions, making them a fundamental part of sentence structure.

Nouns, adjectives, and adverbs serve different roles in a sentence. Nouns represent people, places, things, or ideas; adjectives modify nouns and provide additional details; and adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating how, when, where, or to what degree. While all these parts of speech contribute to the richness of language, only verbs specifically denote actions or states of being.