Verbs are the heartbeat of any conversation — you need them to share a story, ask a question, or just order your favorite coffee. This list rounds up around 1,000 common English verbs that you’ll actually hear and use every day. No dusty textbook filler, just action words that keep your sentences moving. Put these common verbs to work while reading Hansel and Gretel at A2 level.
Inside the interactive table, you’ll get US IPA for clear pronunciation, a plain-English meaning, and a real-world example sentence. There’s also a play button next to every word, so you can listen as you learn — your ears need practice too.
Ready to level up your everyday English without the yawns? Scroll to the bottom of the article for the free printable common english verbs vocabulary list PDF and the free downloadable printable common english verbs flashcards.
Verbs alone won’t make you fluent, though. You need chunks you can actually speak. Our free English lessons teach you practical phrases with audio and speaking practice — start at the intro page or jump straight into Lesson 1: First Greetings.
Quick Quiz
<p>Think you already know a bunch of these? Try the quick quiz below to test yourself, then use the table to plug any gaps.</p>
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| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dating | /ˈdeɪtɪŋ/ | meeting romantically | They have been dating for a year. | |
| Deal | /diːl/ | To do business with a person or organization | We deal with companies all over the world. | |
| Decide | /dɪˈsaɪd/ | To make a choice | I can't decide what to wear. | |
| Declare | /dɪˈklɛr/ | To announce something clearly, firmly, publicly, or officially | They declared war on the neighboring country. | |
| Decline | /dɪˈklaɪn/ | To gradually become less, worse, or lower | His health has been declining recently. | |
| Decorate | /ˈdɛkəˌreɪt/ | To add something to an object or place, especially in order to make it more attractive | We decorated the Christmas tree. | |
| Decrease | /dɪˈkriːs/ | To become less, or to make something become less | The number of students has decreased. | |
| default | /dɪˈfɔlt/ | to fail to pay a debt | Some borrowers default on their loans. | |
| Defeat | /dɪˈfiːt/ | To win against someone in a fight, war, or competition | Our team defeated the champions. | |
| Defend | /dɪˈfɛnd/ | To protect someone or something against attack or criticism | The soldiers defended the castle. | |
| Delete | /dɪˈliːt/ | To remove something written or stored | Please delete that photo. | |
| Delight | /dɪˈlaɪt/ | (something or someone that gives) great pleasure, satisfaction, or happiness | The children squealed with delight. | |
| Deliver | /dɪˈlɪvər/ | To take goods, letters, parcels, etc. to people's houses or places of work | The mailman delivers the post every morning. | |
| delivered | /dɪˈlɪvərd/ | brought something to a person or place | The package was delivered this morning. | |
| Demand | /dɪˈmænd/ | To ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows that you do not expect to be refused | The workers are demanding better pay. | |
| Demonstrate | /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt/ | To show or make make something clear | The teacher demonstrated how to use the equipment. | |
| Deny | /dɪˈnaɪ/ | To say that something is not true | He denied stealing the money. | |
| Depart | /dɪˈpɑrt/ | To leave | The train will depart soon. | |
| Depend | /dɪˈpɛnd/ | To need the help of someone | Children depend on their parents. | |
| depends | /dɪˈpɛndz/ | is decided or affected by something | Success depends on careful planning. | |
| Depress | /dɪˈprɛs/ | To cause someone to feel unhappy and without hope | The bad news depressed him. | |
| Derive | /dɪˈraɪv/ | To get something from something else | Many English words derive from Latin. | |
| Describe | /dɪˈskraɪb/ | To say what someone or something is like | Can you describe the man you saw? | |
| describes | /dɪˈskraɪbz/ | tells what someone or something is like | She describes her hometown with great pride. | |
| description | /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/ | to describe in words | Please description the scene clearly. |
Free Common English Verbs PDF and Flashcards to Download
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