Table of contents
1. List of the most common English verbs and their pronunciation
I created the English verbs list below to help you expand your vocabulary. Do not try to learn many words at once. Instead, try to remember a few and use them in a sentence. Click the audio icon to hear their pronunciation. See also our complete guide to the different types of verbs in English.
Use our free online English conjugator to conjugate any verbs in all tenses. Start with the most basic tense, the present simple, before moving to the more advanced one. Try to differentiate between regular and irregular verbs.
to leave someone or something behind permanently
He abandoned the car in the middle of the road.
to agree to take something offered
She accepted the job offer.
to succeed in doing something after effort
He achieved his goal of becoming a doctor.
to do something or behave in a certain way
You must act quickly in an emergency.
to combine two or more things
Add sugar to the tea.
to look up to someone or something with respect
I admire her honesty.
to agree that something is true or correct
He admitted his mistake.
to take someone else’s child into your family legally
They adopted a baby girl from Korea.
to recommend something or give guidance
The doctor advised him to rest.
to influence or change something
The weather can affect your mood.
to be able to pay for something
We can’t afford a new car.
to have the same opinion as someone else
I don’t agree with you.
to point or direct something at a target
He aimed the ball at the goal.
to give permission for something
The teacher allowed them to leave early.
to make someone laugh or smile
The clown amused the children.
to examine something carefully in detail
They analysed the results of the experiment.
to make something known publicly
She announced her retirement today.
to respond to a question or situation
He didn’t answer my call.
to say sorry for something wrong or hurtful
She apologised for being late.
to become visible or come into sight
A rainbow appeared after the rain.
to make a formal request or put something into use
She applied for a job at the hospital.
to speak angrily to someone because of disagreement
They argued about money.
to organise or plan something
He arranged a meeting for Friday.
to reach a place
We arrived at the airport on time.
to request something or question someone
Can I ask you a question?
to believe something is true without proof
I assumed he was telling the truth.
to make someone feel certain or confident
She assured me everything was fine.
to join or connect one thing to another
Please attach the file to your email.
to act violently towards someone or something
The army attacked the village at dawn.
to be present at an event or activity
She attended every class last week.
to draw interest or attention
The bright colours attracted many children.
to stay away from someone or something
Try to avoid driving in the rain.
to stop sleeping; to wake up
I awoke in the middle of the night.
to officially give a prize or recognition
She was awarded a scholarship.
to cook food using dry heat, usually in an oven
She baked a chocolate cake for his birthday.
to keep or put something in a steady position
He balanced the book on his head.
to officially say that something is not allowed
The school banned mobile phones during class.
to hit something hard and loudly
She banged the door shut.
to wash yourself or someone else in a bath
He bathed the baby gently.
to fight or struggle to achieve something
They battled the storm all night.
to exist or live
I want to be a doctor.
to carry or endure something difficult
She couldn’t bear the pain.
to hit something repeatedly or defeat someone
He beat the drum loudly.
to begin to be something or change into something
She became a lawyer at 25.
to ask someone for something desperately
He begged her to stay.
to start doing something
Let’s begin the lesson.
to act in a certain way, often politely or properly
The children behaved well at the party.
to accept something as true
I believe you are right.
to be owned by someone or be in the right place
This book belongs to me.
to shape or force something into a curve
He bent the wire into a circle.
to risk money on the result of a game or event
He bet all his savings on the race.
to cut something using teeth
The dog bit my hand.
to say someone is responsible for something bad
Don’t blame me for your mistake.
to lose blood from the body
His nose started to bleed.
to ask for God's favour or protection
They blessed the newborn baby.
to shut and open the eyes quickly
She blinked in surprise.
to move air, often using the mouth or wind
The wind blew strongly last night.
to heat a liquid until it bubbles
Boil the water before drinking it.
to arrange or reserve something in advance
I booked a room for the weekend.
to take something for a short time and return it
Can I borrow your pen?
to spring back after hitting a surface
The ball bounced across the floor.
to bend the body as a sign of respect
They bowed before the king.
to damage something and make it unusable
He broke his glasses again.
to take air into and out of the lungs
Try to breathe deeply and relax.
to take something to a place or person
Please bring your notebook to class.
to construct something by putting parts together
They are building a new hospital.
to damage or destroy by fire or heat
She burned her hand on the stove.
to put something under the ground
They buried the treasure in the garden.
to get something by paying money
She bought a new phone yesterday.
to speak to someone on the phone
I'll call you tonight.
to hold and move something from one place to another
He carried the box upstairs.
to capture or seize
She caught the ball easily.
to make or become different
She changed her hairstyle.
to select from a number of options
He chose the red one.
to make something not dirty
I cleaned the kitchen yesterday.
to go up something, usually using hands and feet
They climbed the mountain.
to shut something
Please close the door.
to move toward the speaker
Can you come here for a moment?
to prepare food by heating it
She’s cooking dinner now.
to make something the same as something else
He copied the file to a USB stick.
to say numbers in order or determine the number of items
She counted the apples on the table.
to make something new
They created a new website.
to produce tears from the eyes, usually from sadness
The baby started to cry.
to divide something using a sharp tool
She cut the paper with scissors.
to collide violently with something
The car crashed into the wall.
to strike the palms of the hands together to show appreciation
Everyone clapped at the end of the show.
to express dissatisfaction or annoyance
He complained about the noise.
to look at similarities or differences
Compare these two photos.
to continue doing something
He carried on talking for hours.
to move rhythmically to music
They danced all night at the party.
to make a choice or come to a conclusion
She decided to leave early.
to bring something to a place
He delivered the package yesterday.
to give details about something
Can you describe what happened?
to create a plan or drawing
She designed a new logo.
to ruin or damage something completely
The fire destroyed the building.
to grow or improve something
He developed a new app.
to stop living
Her pet dog died last week.
to make a hole in the ground
They dug a hole for the tree.
to talk about something in detail
We discussed our plans over lunch.
to separate into parts
She divided the cake into eight pieces.
to perform an action
What are you doing?
to make a picture using a pen or pencil
He drew a cat on the paper.
to experience thoughts while sleeping or to hope strongly
She dreams of becoming a singer.
to take liquid into the mouth and swallow it
He drank a glass of water.
to operate and control a vehicle
I drove to work this morning.
to let something fall
She dropped her phone on the floor.
to remove moisture from something
He dried the dishes after washing them.
to feel uncertain about something
I doubt that he will come.
to put food in your mouth and swallow it
We usually eat dinner at 7 p.m.
to give someone information or training
Schools aim to educate children for life.
to completely remove or get rid of something
They eliminated all errors from the report.
to give someone a job
The company employs over 200 people.
to give support, confidence, or hope to someone
Parents should encourage their children to read.
to take delight or pleasure in something
I really enjoy reading novels.
to go or come into a place
She entered the room quietly.
to get away from a place or situation
The cat escaped through the window.
to start or create something that is meant to last
The company was established in 1990.
to judge or determine the value of something
We need to evaluate the results carefully.
to inspect or look at something closely
The doctor examined the patient’s arm.
to go beyond a limit or expectation
Sales exceeded all expectations this year.
to give something and receive something else in return
They exchanged gifts during the holiday.
to forgive someone for something wrong
Please excuse my lateness.
to do physical activity to stay healthy
He exercises three times a week.
to be real or present
Dinosaurs no longer exist.
to become larger in size or amount
The company plans to expand next year.
to think that something will happen
I expect it will rain later today.
to make something clear or easy to understand
Can you explain this rule to me?
to travel through or learn about something in detail
They explored the jungle together.
to show or say what you think or feel
He expressed his opinion clearly.
to deal with a difficult situation
We have to face the challenges ahead.
to not succeed in doing something
He failed his driving test twice.
to drop down from a higher level
She slipped and fell on the ice.
to give food to someone or something
She feeds her cat every morning.
to experience an emotion or physical sensation
I feel very tired today.
to use physical force or argue strongly
They fought for their rights.
to make something full
He filled the glass with water.
to discover something or someone
She found her keys under the table.
to complete something
He finished the project on time.
to be the right size or shape
These shoes fit perfectly.
to repair something
He fixed the broken chair.
to concentrate attention on something
Try to focus on your work.
to go or come after something
The dog followed its owner home.
to order someone not to do something
Smoking is forbidden here.
to make someone do something against their will
He was forced to apologise.
to fail to remember something
Don’t forget to lock the door.
to stop being angry at someone who did something wrong
She forgave him for being late.
to make or create something
They formed a new team.
to turn into ice or become very cold
Water freezes at 0°C.
to cook something in hot oil
She fried the eggs for breakfast.
to work or operate in a proper way
The machine is not functioning correctly.
to achieve or satisfy a requirement or goal
He fulfilled his childhood dream.
to get or increase something, often gradually
She gained experience through volunteering.
to collect things or bring people together
They gathered around the fire.
to look steadily at something for a long time
He gazed out the window.
to produce or create something
This machine generates electricity.
to obtain, receive, or become
Did you get my message?
to offer something to someone
She gave me a gift.
to look quickly or briefly
He glanced at his watch.
to produce a steady light
The lamp glowed in the dark.
to move or travel from one place to another
We went to the beach last weekend.
to take something quickly or roughly
He grabbed his coat and left.
to smile broadly
She grinned when she saw the puppy.
to say hello or welcome someone
They greeted us at the door.
to hold tightly
He gripped the steering wheel.
to become larger or increase over time
Tomatoes grow in the garden.
to give an answer without being sure
Can you guess the answer?
to lead or direct someone
The teacher guided us through the project.
to protect someone or something
The soldier guarded the entrance.
to greet or call out to someone
She hailed a taxi in the rain.
to deal with or manage something
He handled the situation calmly.
to suspend something from above
She hung her coat on the hook.
to take place or occur
What happened yesterday?
to cause damage or injury
Too much sun can harm your skin.
to strongly dislike someone or something
He hates waking up early.
to own or possess something
I have two brothers and one sister.
to move in a particular direction
We’re heading to the airport now.
to make or become healthy again
Time can heal emotional wounds.
to perceive sound with your ears
Did you hear that noise?
to assist or make things easier for someone
Can you help me carry this?
to pause before doing something
She hesitated before answering.
to put something out of sight
He hid the gift under the bed.
to emphasise or mark something as important
She highlighted the key points in the book.
to give someone a job or rent something
They hired a new manager last week.
to strike something with force
He hit the ball over the fence.
to keep or grasp something in your hand
Hold my hand while we cross the street.
to jump on one foot or make small jumps
The bunny hopped across the lawn.
to wish or desire for something to happen
I hope you feel better soon.
to hold someone tightly to show love or affection
She hugged her friend goodbye.
to make a low continuous sound or sing without words
He hummed a tune while working.
to search or chase for food, animals, or people
They hunted deer in the forest.
to move or act quickly
Hurry or we’ll miss the train!
to cause pain or injury
He hurt his ankle while playing football.
to recognise or name someone or something
Can you identify the man in this photo?
to intentionally pay no attention to something
He ignored my message completely.
to explain or show something clearly using examples or pictures
Let me illustrate the concept with a diagram.
to form a picture in your mind
Try to imagine life without electricity.
to put a plan or system into action
The company implemented a new strategy.
to make someone feel admiration
She impressed the judges with her singing.
to make something better
He improved his grades this year.
to make something part of a group or whole
The bill includes service charges.
to become or make something larger in number or amount
Prices have increased significantly.
to point out or show
The signs indicate the direction of travel.
to affect the way someone thinks or behaves
Her speech influenced the audience.
to give someone facts or information
Please inform me of any changes.
to receive money or property from someone after they die
She inherited the house from her grandmother.
to start or begin something
The school initiated a recycling project.
to demand something strongly
I insist you come to the meeting.
to examine something carefully
They inspected the car before buying it.
to fill someone with the urge to do something
Her courage inspired us all.
to put something in place for use
They installed a new software update.
to teach or tell someone what to do
The teacher instructed the class to listen carefully.
to communicate or work together
Children need to interact with their peers.
to attract someone's attention or curiosity
The story really interested me.
to stop someone from speaking or doing something
Please don’t interrupt me while I’m talking.
to present someone or something for the first time
Let me introduce you to my friend.
to put money or effort into something to get a return
She invested in real estate.
to ask someone to come to an event
They invited us to dinner.
to press clothes with a heated tool
She ironed her dress for the party.
to annoy or make someone angry
His loud chewing irritates me.
to push or hit something quickly with force
He jabbed his finger at the screen.
to put someone in prison
He was jailed for fraud.
to become stuck and unable to move
The paper jammed inside the printer.
to put something at risk
His actions could jeopardise the whole project.
to say something funny or not serious
I was only joking!
to run at a slow, steady pace
She jogs every morning in the park.
to become part of a group or activity
Would you like to join us for lunch?
to write something quickly
Let me jot down your number.
to form an opinion about something or someone
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
to manage several tasks at the same time
She’s juggling two jobs and three kids.
to push yourself off the ground using your legs
He jumped over the fence.
to show that something is right or reasonable
Can you justify your decision?
to have or continue to have something
Keep your receipt in case you need a refund.
to hit something with your foot
He kicked the ball into the goal.
to joke or tease someone
I was just kidding—you didn’t really lose your job!
to cause someone or something to die
Smoking can kill you.
to touch with the lips as a sign of love or affection
She kissed him on the cheek.
to go down on one or both knees
He knelt down to tie his shoe.
to make clothing or fabric by looping yarn
My grandmother taught me how to knit.
to hit a surface to make a noise
He knocked on the door three times.
to be aware of or have knowledge of something
Do you know what time it is?
to start or launch something energetically
They used a campaign to kick-start the project.
to continue at the same rate or level
She struggled to keep up with the pace.
to begin something, especially an event or activity
The meeting will kick off at 10 a.m.
to make sounds of amusement or joy
She laughed at his joke.
to come down through the air and rest on the ground
The plane landed safely.
to gain knowledge or skill
Children learn quickly at this age.
to go away from a place
He left the house at 7am.
to give something to someone for a short time
Can you lend me your pen?
to find something enjoyable or satisfactory
I like chocolate ice cream.
to pay attention to sound
Please listen carefully to the instructions.
to be alive; to reside somewhere
They live in a small village.
to direct your eyes toward something
Look at that rainbow!
to feel strong affection for someone or something
I love my family.
to put something down carefully
She laid the baby in the crib.
to guide or direct
She led the team to victory.
to make something start to burn
He lit a candle during the blackout.
to set a boundary or restrict
We need to limit our screen time.
to make a list or enumerate
She listed all the things to buy.
to find the position of something
Can you locate your phone?
to attach a tag or name to something
Label each folder with a date.
to pass the tongue over something
The dog licked my hand.
to secure something with a key or mechanism
Don't forget to lock the door.
to express sorrow or regret
She lamented the loss of her pet.
to begin or introduce something new
They launched a new product this week.
to create or produce something
She made a cake for the party.
to control or be in charge of something
He manages a small business.
to become someone's husband or wife
They got married last year.
to find the size or amount of something
She measured the length of the table.
to come together with someone
Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow.
to say something briefly
He mentioned your name in the meeting.
to care about or object to something
Do you mind if I sit here?
to fail to reach or to feel the absence of
I miss my family a lot.
to change position or place
She moved to London last year.
to combine two or more substances
Mix the flour with water.
to become liquid due to heat
The ice cream melted quickly.
to learn something so it can be remembered exactly
I need to memorise this poem.
to increase greatly in number or amount
Bacteria multiply quickly in warm temperatures.
to change something slightly
The design was modified after feedback.
to give someone a reason to do something
Teachers should motivate students to learn.
to complain or express pain
Stop moaning and do something about it!
to speak quietly and unclearly
He mumbled something under his breath.
to keep something in good condition
You should maintain your car regularly.
to make a sign or symbol on something
She marked the correct answers with a tick.
to focus your mind for relaxation or spirituality
He meditates every morning before work.
to give a title or label to someone or something
They named their daughter Emily.
to require something because it is essential
I need a break.
to fail to care for something properly
He neglected his homework and failed the class.
to discuss in order to reach an agreement
They negotiated a better deal.
to move your head up and down to show agreement
She nodded in approval.
to become aware of something
Did you notice the new poster?
to help someone or something grow and develop
Parents nurture their children with love.
to assign numbers to things in a sequence
She numbered the pages of her report.
to reduce the width or scope of something
We need to narrow our options.
to fall asleep, usually unintentionally
He nodded off during the lecture.
to formally tell someone something
You will be notified by email.
to tell a story or describe events
The documentary was narrated by a famous actor.
to make something legally void or invalid
The contract was nullified by the court.
to observe or pay attention to something
Please note the change in schedule.
to eat something in small bites
He nibbled on some cheese.
to gently push someone or something
She nudged him to wake him up.
to interact with others to exchange information or contacts
You should network at the conference.
to cancel the effect of something
The army neutralised the threat.
to build or settle in a nest
The birds nested in the tree.
to do what someone in authority tells you to do
You must obey the traffic rules.
to express disagreement or disapproval
She objected to the new policy.
to watch carefully or notice something
We observed the stars through a telescope.
to get something, especially by effort
He obtained a copy of the report.
to take up space, time, or attention
The sofa occupied most of the room.
to happen or take place
An accident occurred on the highway.
to present or provide something willingly
She offered me a cup of tea.
to move something to allow access
Please open the window.
to control or function; to perform surgery
He operates heavy machinery.
to be against something or someone
They opposed the construction of the mall.
to choose or decide to do something
She opted for a vegetarian meal.
to arrange or plan things systematically
He organised a charity event.
to come from or start in a particular place
The tradition originated in Japan.
to successfully deal with a problem
She overcame her fear of flying.
to supervise or manage something
He oversees the entire department.
to have a debt or obligation to someone
I owe you ten dollars.
to give a summary or structure of something
He outlined the main points of the plan.
to think something is more than it really is
They overestimated the cost of repairs.
to overpower emotionally or physically
She was overwhelmed by the support.
to leave out or exclude something
He omitted a key detail from his story.
to put things into a container or bag
She packed her clothes for the trip.
to apply colour to a surface using a brush or tool
He painted the walls blue.
to take part in an activity or event
They participated in the school play.
to move past or succeed in something
She passed the exam with ease.
to give money in exchange for something
I paid for the groceries.
to carry out or do something
The artist performed on stage last night.
to convince someone to do something
She persuaded me to join the club.
to make a telephone call
He phoned his mother to check in.
to choose or select something
Pick your favourite flavour.
to decide in advance what to do
We planned a holiday to the coast.
to engage in an activity for enjoyment or sport
The children are playing outside.
to indicate or show something with your finger
She pointed at the sign.
to send a letter or place something online
He posted a photo on Instagram.
to make a liquid flow from a container
She poured milk into the glass.
to do something regularly to improve skill
He practices the guitar every day.
to like one thing more than another
I prefer coffee over tea.
to get ready or make ready
She prepared dinner for the guests.
to give, show, or deliver something
He presented his research to the class.
to apply force to something
Press the button to start the machine.
to stop something from happening
The vaccine prevents disease.
to assure someone that you will do something
She promised to call me back.
to keep someone or something safe
The sunscreen protects your skin.
to demonstrate the truth of something
He proved his innocence.
to move something toward you
Pull the door to open it.
to move something away from you
Push the cart through the aisle.
to make something available to the public
The author published a new book.
to make someone suffer for a wrongdoing
The teacher punished him for cheating.
to place something somewhere
Put the keys on the table.
to make the sound that a duck makes
The ducklings quacked loudly as they followed their mother.
to shake or tremble, often from fear or cold
She quaked with fear during the thunderstorm.
to meet the criteria or conditions for something
He qualified for the final round of the competition.
to measure or express something in numbers
It's difficult to quantify the value of friendship.
to argue or fight verbally
They often quarrel about politics.
to ask about or challenge something
The student questioned the professor’s explanation.
to line up or wait in line
People queued for hours to buy the concert tickets.
to argue or complain about small details
Stop quibbling over the price; it’s already fair.
to make or become silent
She quieted the baby with a lullaby.
to repeat words from someone else
She quoted a famous poet in her speech.
to compete in a speed contest
They raced to the finish line.
to fall as water drops from the sky
It rained heavily all night.
to lift or move something to a higher position
He raised his hand to ask a question.
to look at and understand written words
She read the book in one day.
to become aware of something
He realised he had made a mistake.
to remember something
I can't recall his name.
to be given or presented with something
She received a gift from her friend.
to identify someone or something seen before
I recognised her from school.
to suggest something as being good or suitable
I recommend the pasta—it’s delicious.
to make something smaller or less in amount
They reduced the price of the product.
to show an image or to think carefully
He reflected on his decision.
to say no to something
She refused to answer the question.
to rest or reduce stress
He relaxed by reading a book.
to set something free or make it available
They released the film last month.
to depend on someone or something
You can rely on her help.
to stay in the same place or condition
He remained calm during the storm.
to keep something in your memory
Please remember to bring your ID.
to take something away
She removed the sticker from the wall.
to fix something that is broken
He repaired the broken chair.
to take the place of something
I replaced the old batteries.
to give information about something
They reported the incident to the police.
to stand in place of someone or something
The lawyer represented the client in court.
to save someone or something from danger
Firefighters rescued the cat from the tree.
to reply or react to something
She didn’t respond to my message.
to relax or sleep to regain energy
He needs to rest after a long day.
to go back to a place or person
She returned the book to the library.
to make something known or visible
The magician revealed his secret.
to examine or assess something
Please review your answers before submitting.
to make a bell-like sound or call someone
I’ll ring you tomorrow morning.
to move quickly on foot
She runs every morning.
to travel on water using a boat or ship
They sailed across the ocean.
to keep safe or to store for future use
She saved money every month.
to express something with words
He said hello to everyone.
to notice or observe something
I saw a bird on the roof.
to look for something
They are seeking advice from a lawyer.
to give something in exchange for money
He sells fruit at the market.
to cause something to go somewhere
I sent her a birthday card.
to put something in a particular place or position
She set the table for dinner.
to move quickly back and forth
The building shook during the earthquake.
to use or enjoy something with others
He shared his lunch with me.
to give off light
The sun shone brightly.
to fire a bullet or arrow
The hunter shot at the target.
to buy things from a store
We went shopping for clothes.
to display or let someone see something
She showed me her new phone.
to close something firmly
He shut the door quickly.
to produce musical sounds with your voice
She sings beautifully.
to rest on your bottom
Please sit down and relax.
to rest with your eyes closed
He sleeps for eight hours a night.
to move smoothly along a surface
The kids slid down the hill.
to show happiness by turning up the corners of your mouth
She smiled at the camera.
to inhale and exhale smoke from a cigarette or fire
He smokes a pipe every evening.
to find an answer to a problem
Can you solve this puzzle?
to use words to express thoughts
She speaks three languages.
to use money or time for a purpose
He spent all his savings.
to be in an upright position on your feet
He stood near the window.
to begin something
We started the meeting at noon.
to remain in a place
They stayed at a hotel.
to cease movement or action
He stopped the car suddenly.
to learn about something
She studied French in school.
to achieve a goal or aim
He succeeded in passing the exam.
to offer an idea or plan
I suggested a new strategy.
to give help or encouragement
Her friends supported her during hard times.
to move in water using arms and legs
He swam across the river.
to get or hold something with your hands
She took the book from the shelf.
to speak or have a conversation
They talked for hours on the phone.
to help someone learn something
He teaches English at the school.
to pull something apart or make a hole in it
She tore the paper in half.
to communicate something to someone
He told me the story yesterday.
to check something to see if it works or is correct
The scientist tested the new theory.
to express gratitude
She thanked him for his help.
to use your mind to form ideas or make decisions
I think it's going to rain today.
to send something through the air by a movement of the arm
He threw the ball to his friend.
to put your hand on something
Don’t touch the hot pan!
to teach or learn a skill or activity over time
She trained as a nurse.
to go from one place to another
They travelled to Spain last summer.
to act or behave toward someone in a particular way
They treated her with kindness.
to make an effort to do something
I tried to open the door.
to move in a circular direction
She turned the key in the lock.
to write using a keyboard
He typed the document quickly.
to mark a box or list with a check mark
Please tick the correct answer.
to exchange goods or services
They traded apples for oranges.
to change words from one language to another
Can you translate this sentence into French?
to catch someone or something so they cannot escape
The police trapped the thief in a building.
to know what something means or why it happens
I understand what you’re trying to say.
to do something with an object or idea to achieve a goal
She used a knife to cut the apple.
to bring something up to date
We need to update the software.
to send data or files from your computer to the internet
He uploaded the photos to the cloud.
to reverse an action or remove its effects
You can undo your last change with Ctrl+Z.
to come together for a common purpose
The countries united to fight the threat.
to open something that is locked
She unlocked the door with her key.
to make someone unhappy or angry
I didn’t mean to upset you.
to strongly encourage someone to do something
He urged her to apply for the job.
to improve or make something better
They upgraded the computer system.
to think something is smaller or less important than it is
Don’t underestimate her abilities.
to experience something, usually something difficult
He underwent surgery last year.
to begin or promise to do something
She undertook the project with confidence.
to open or reveal something that was folded
He unfolded the map on the table.
to stop receiving updates, emails, or notifications
Click here to unsubscribe from the newsletter.
to draw a line under text or emphasize something
Please underline the correct answer.
to clean using a vacuum cleaner
She vacuumed the carpet before guests arrived.
to confirm or prove something is correct or acceptable
The test results validated our hypothesis.
to consider something important or useful
I really value your opinion.
to disappear suddenly
The magician made the coin vanish.
to be different or cause differences
Results may vary depending on the method used.
to check or confirm the accuracy of something
Please verify your email address.
to look at or inspect something
You can view the file online.
to go and spend time at a place or with someone
We visited our grandparents last weekend.
to break a rule or law
They violated the contract terms.
to make a choice in an election
My husband voted for Donald Trump.
to offer help without being paid
She volunteered at the animal shelter.
to do something risky or daring
He ventured into the jungle alone.
to throw up food from the stomach through the mouth
He vomited after eating spoiled food.
to make a serious promise
She vowed to never lie again.
to move quickly back and forth
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
to form a picture of something in your mind
Try to visualise your goals every day.
to stay in one place until something happens
Please wait here until your name is called.
to stop sleeping or to make someone stop sleeping
I woke up early this morning.
to move by putting one foot in front of the other
They walked through the park.
to walk around without a clear purpose
He wandered through the forest for hours.
to desire or wish for something
I want to be rich.
to tell someone about a possible danger or problem
They warned us about the storm.
to clean something using water
I need to wash my hands before dinner.
to use something carelessly or without purpose
Don’t waste your time on that task.
to look at something for a period of time
We watched a movie last night.
to move your hand to say hello or goodbye
She waved at me across the street.
to have clothes or accessories on your body
He’s wearing a blue jacket.
to measure how heavy something is
The bag weighs 5 kilograms.
to greet someone in a friendly way
They welcomed us warmly.
to speak very quietly
She whispered a secret to me.
to achieve victory in a game or competition
He won the race easily.
to hope something will happen
I wish you the best of luck.
to feel curious or uncertain about something
I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.
to do a job or task
She works at a bank.
to feel anxious about something
Don’t worry about the test.
to cover something with paper or material
She wrapped the gift nicely.
to put words on paper or a screen
He writes stories in his free time.
to photograph using X-rays to see inside objects or bodies
The doctor x-rayed his arm to check for a fracture.
to open your mouth wide and take a deep breath because you are tired or bored
She yawned during the long meeting.
to shout loudly, usually when you are angry, excited, or in pain
He yelled at the children to be quiet.
to make a short, sharp cry, usually because of pain or fear
The dog yelped when it stepped on a thorn.
to desire something strongly, especially something difficult to get
He yearned for a chance to travel the world.
to produce or provide something; to give in to pressure
The farm yields good crops every year.
to pull something forcefully and suddenly
I had to yank the door to open it.
to destroy, attack, or get rid of something quickly and suddenly
She zapped the bug with a fly swatter.
to move or travel very quickly
The motorbike zoomed past us.
to move forward by making sharp turns alternately to the left and right
The skier zigzagged down the mountain slope.
to direct all your attention toward a particular person or thing
The camera zeroed in on the speaker’s face.
to lose concentration or become mentally detached
He zoned out during the long lecture.
2. Learning practice example
We hope you find the list useful. As a learning practice, start by selecting the verb(s) you want to learn. Make a table and put your selected verb(s) in the first column. Write example sentences in the second column using different pronouns. Depending on your level, include variations in tenses, phrasal verbs, or idiomatic expressions related to the base verb.
| Verbs | Example sentences |
|---|---|
| Run (Basic to intermediate) |
I run every morning. |
| You run faster than me. | |
| He/She/It runs very fast. | |
| We often run together on weekends. | |
| They run every day to stay fit. | |
| Take (upper intermediate to advanced) |
I’ll take the first shift. |
| You should take after your grandmother; she’s an amazing artist. | |
| He takes on too many responsibilities. | |
| We take to the new policies quite easily. | |
| She took a shine to the new intern. | |
| The soldiers took cover to hide from the enemies. |
