Final answer:
The action verb in the provided sentence is 'collided,' which is an intransitive verb without a direct object. The subject of this action verb is 'RMS Titanic.' Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs is crucial for correct sentence construction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the sentence provided, “On its maiden voyage, the RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic,” the action verb is “collided.” This verb is intransitive, as it does not have a direct object receiving the action. Instead, it is an action taking place without a direct recipient. Therefore, there is no direct object to select in this sentence. The subject of the verb is “RMS Titanic.”
When reviewing sentences, it's important to correctly identify the action verb. Transitive verbs, which are verbs that require a direct object, should be paired with their direct objects (and sometimes indirect objects). For an intransitive verb like "collided," no direct object is necessary. In the context of editing or writing, replacing unwieldy phrases with a single action verb can make the language more dynamic and clear; for example, “reach a decision” can simply become “decide.”