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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Browse the Full List
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | /ˈgræʤuɪt/ | To complete a school or university course | He graduated from university last year. | |
| Grant | /ɡrænt/ | To give or allow someone something, usually in an official way | They granted him a visa. | |
| granted | /ˈɡræntɪd/ | officially gave or allowed something | The school granted her request for extra time. | |
| Greet | /ɡrit/ | To welcome someone with particular words or a particular action | He greeted me with a smile. | |
| ground | /ɡraʊnd/ | to stop from flying or operating | The storm grounded all flights. | |
| groups | /ɡruːps/ | puts into categories or sets | The teacher groups students by skill level. | |
| Grow | /ɡroʊ/ | To increase in size or amount or to become more advanced or developed | Children grow very quickly. | |
| Guard | /ɡɑrd/ | A person or group of people whose job is to protect someone or something | The security guard checked my ID. | |
| Guess | /ɡɛs/ | To give an answer to a particular question when you do not have all the facts and so cannot be certain if you are correct | Can you guess my age? | |
| had | /hæd/ | past form of "have" | We had lunch at noon. | |
| hand | /hænd/ | to give something by hand | Please hand me the keys. | |
| Handle | /ˈhæn.dəl/ | To deal with, have responsibility for, or be in charge of | She handles all the customer complaints. | |
| Hang | /hæŋ/ | To fasten or support something at the top leaving the other parts free to move | Hang your coat on the hook. | |
| Happen | /ˈhæpən/ | To take place usually without being planned | What happened yesterday? | |
| happened | /ˈhæpənd/ | took place or occurred | Nobody understood what happened after the lights went out. | |
| happens | /ˈhæpənz/ | takes place or occurs | Nobody knows what happens after the show ends. | |
| Harm | /hɑrm/ | Physical or other injury or damage | No harm was done. | |
| has | /hæz/ | owns or holds something | He has a new bike. | |
| Hate | /heɪt/ | To dislike someone or something very much | I hate waking up early. | |
| Have | /hæv/ | To own | I have a car. | |
| having | /ˈhævɪŋ/ | owning or experiencing something | We are having lunch in the kitchen. | |
| head | /hɛd/ | to go toward a place | We will head home after lunch. | |
| Heal | /hil/ | To make or become well again, especially after a cut or other injury | The wound healed quickly. | |
| Hear | /hɪr/ | To use your ears | I hear a noise. | |
| held | /held/ | kept in the hand | She held the baby gently. |
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.
