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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| formed | /fɔrmd/ | made or created something | The students formed a circle in the gym. | |
| forms | /fɔrmz/ | to make or shape | Heat forms bubbles in the glass. | |
| forward | /ˈfɔrwərd/ | to send something onward | Please forward the email to me. | |
| foster | /ˈfɑstər/ | to help something develop or grow | Good teachers foster confidence in their students. | |
| found | /faʊnd/ | discovered something after looking | I found my keys under the chair. | |
| Freeze | /friz/ | If you freeze a liquid, it becomes solid because of the cold | Water freezes at zero degrees. | |
| Frighten | /ˈfraɪtən/ | To make someone feel fear | The loud noise frightened the child. | |
| Fry | /fraɪ/ | To cook food in hot oil or fat | Fry the onions in a little oil. | |
| function | /ˈfʌŋkʃən/ | to work or operate properly | The machine still functions after many years. | |
| fund | /fʌnd/ | to provide money for something | They funded the new community center. | |
| further | /ˈfɝðər/ | help something progress or develop | New funds will further the research. | |
| Gain | /ɡeɪn/ | To get something that is useful, that gives you an advantage, or that is in some way positive | You will gain experience in this job. | |
| game | /ɡeɪm/ | to manipulate a system unfairly | They tried to game the rankings. | |
| Gather | /ˈɡæðər/ | To collect several things, often from different places or people | We gathered wood for the fire. | |
| Generate | /ˈdʒɛn.ə.reɪt/ | To cause something to exist | The wind turbines generate electricity. | |
| get | /ɡɛt/ | to obtain something | Get your bag. | |
| getting | /ˈɡɛtɪŋ/ | receiving or obtaining something. | She is getting a new bike today. | |
| give | /ɡɪv/ | to hand something to someone | Give me the pen. | |
| given | /ˈɡɪvən/ | past participle of give | She has given me helpful advice. | |
| go | /ɡoʊ/ | to move away | Go to sleep. | |
| going | /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/ | moving from one place to another | I am going to the store now. | |
| /ˈɡuːɡəl/ | search for information online | I will google the restaurant before we go. | ||
| got | /ɡɑt/ | received or obtained | I got a nice gift from my friend. | |
| Govern | /ˈɡʌvərn/ | To control and direct the public business of a country, city, group of people, etc. | The country is governed by a president. | |
| Grab | /ɡræb/ | To take hold of something or someone suddenly and roughly | He grabbed his bag and ran. |
Free Common English Verbs PDF and Flashcards to Download
Grab the purple vocab-list button to download the common english verbs vocabulary list, and use the teal flashcards button for the common english verbs flashcards. Both are 100% free with no signup required.
