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>
Keep building your English
Choose a practical next step when you are ready.
Browse the Full List
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| affected | /əˈfɛktɪd/ | changed or influenced something | The storm affected travel across the region. | |
| Agree | /əˈgri/ | To have the same opinion | I agree with you. | |
| agreed | /əˈɡriːd/ | said yes to a plan or idea | We agreed to meet after work. | |
| air | /er/ | to expose to air | Please air the room after painting. | |
| allocated | /ˈæləˌkeɪtɪd/ | officially gave something for a purpose | The city allocated more money to schools. | |
| Allow | /əˈlaʊ/ | To let someone do something | My mom allows me to play. | |
| allowing | /əˈlaʊɪŋ/ | letting something happen or be done | The new policy is allowing more people to work from home. | |
| Alter | /ˈɔltər/ | To change something | We had to alter our plans. | |
| am | /æm/ | present form of "be" with "I" | I am very tired today. | |
| Amuse | /əˈmjuz/ | To entertain someone | The clown amused the children. | |
| Analyze | /ˈænəˌlaɪz/ | To study something in detail | The scientist analyzed the data. | |
| Announce | /əˈnaʊns/ | To make something known or tell people about something officially | They announced their engagement. | |
| announced | /əˈnaʊnst/ | made something known publicly | The company announced a new product yesterday. | |
| answer | /ˈæn.sɚ/ | say or write a reply | Please answer the email before noon. | |
| Anticipate | /ænˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt/ | To imagine or expect that something will happen | We don't anticipate any problems. | |
| Apologize | /əˈpɑləˌdʒaɪz/ | To say sorry | I apologize for my mistake. | |
| Appeal | /əˈpil/ | To make a serious or formal request | They appealed to the public for help. | |
| Appear | /əˈpɪr/ | To start to be seen | A bird appeared in the sky. | |
| appeared | /əˈpɪrd/ | became visible or came into view | A rainbow appeared after the storm ended. | |
| applies | /əˈplaɪz/ | asks officially for something | She applies for every job that fits her skills. | |
| Apply | /əˈplaɪ/ | To make a formal request | I will apply for the job. | |
| appointed | /əˈpɔɪntɪd/ | officially chosen for a job or role | She was appointed head of the department last year. | |
| Appreciate | /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ | To recognize how good someone or something is | I appreciate your help. | |
| Approach | /əˈproʊtʃ/ | To come near | The train is approaching. | |
| appropriate | /əˈproʊprieɪt/ | to take for one's own use | They were accused of appropriating public funds. |
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.
