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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| help | /hɛlp/ | to make something easier for someone | Help me with my homework. | |
| helped | /hɛlpt/ | gave support or assistance | She helped her brother with his homework. | |
| helping | /ˈhɛlpɪŋ/ | giving support or assistance | Thank you for helping me with my homework. | |
| helps | /hɛlps/ | makes something easier or better | Regular exercise helps you sleep more deeply. | |
| Hide | /haɪd/ | To put something or someone in a place where that thing or person cannot be seen or found or to put yourself somewhere where you cannot be seen or found | He tried to hide the money. | |
| Highlight | /ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/ | To attract attention to or emphasize something important | The report highlights the need for better security. | |
| Hike | /haɪk/ | To walk a long distance in nature | We will hike up the mountain. | |
| Hire | /haɪər/ | To pay to use something for a short period | We hired a car for the weekend. | |
| Hit | /hɪt/ | To move your hand or an object onto the surface of something so that it touches it usually with force | He hit the ball with the bat. | |
| Hold | /hoʊld/ | To take and keep something in your hand or arms | Can you hold my bag? | |
| holding | /ˈhoʊldɪŋ/ | keeping something in your hands or arms | She stood at the door holding a cup of coffee. | |
| holds | /hoʊldz/ | keeps or carries something | This bottle holds two liters of water. | |
| hop | /hɑp/ | to jump lightly on one foot or both feet | The child tried to hop across the puddle. | |
| Hope | /hoʊp/ | To want something to happen or to be true and usually have a good reason to think that it might | I hope it doesn't rain. | |
| host | /hoʊst/ | organize or provide for guests | Our team will host the workshop. | |
| hosted | /ˈhoʊstɪd/ | organized and received people at an event | They hosted a party for their neighbors. | |
| house | /haʊz/ | to provide a place to live | The shelter houses many families. | |
| housing | /ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ | providing shelter for | The center is housing families after the storm. | |
| Hunt | /hʌnt/ | To chase and try to catch and kill an animal or bird for food | Lions hunt for food. | |
| Hurry | /ˈhɜri/ | To move or do things more quickly than normal or to make someone do this | Hurry up or we will be late. | |
| Hurt | /hɜrt/ | To feel pain in a part of your body or to injure someone or cause them pain | My leg hurts. | |
| Identify | /aɪˈdɛntɪˌfaɪ/ | To recognize someone or something and say or prove who or what that person or thing is | The police identified the suspect. | |
| Ignore | /ɪɡˈnɔr/ | To intentionally not listen or give attention to | He ignored her advice and made a mistake. | |
| Imagine | /ɪˈmædʒɪn/ | To form or have a mental picture or idea of something | Imagine you are on a beach. | |
| impact | /ɪmˈpækt/ | to strongly affect something | The policy will impact small businesses. |
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.
