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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay | /leɪ/ | To put something in especially a flat or horizontal position | She laid the baby on the bed. | |
| Lead | /lɛd/ | To show the way by going first | She will lead the group through the forest. | |
| leading | /ˈlidɪŋ/ | guiding others in front | She is leading the team this season. | |
| leads | /liːdz/ | guides or is in charge of | Maria leads the sales team in our office. | |
| Lean | /liːn/ | To bend or move from a vertical position | Don't lean against the freshly painted wall. | |
| learn | /lɜrn/ | to get knowledge | We learn English. | |
| learning | /ˈlɝːnɪŋ/ | gaining knowledge or skill | The children are learning to read. | |
| Leave | /liːv/ | To go away from someone or something | What time does the train leave? | |
| leaves | /livz/ | goes away from a place | She leaves home early every weekday. | |
| leaving | /ˈliːvɪŋ/ | going away from a place | She is leaving the office at six. | |
| left | /lɛft/ | went away from a place | He left the office early yesterday. | |
| Lend | /lɛnd/ | To give something to someone for a short time | Can you lend me some money? | |
| Let | /lɛt/ | To allow something to happen | Let me help you with that. | |
| lets | /lɛts/ | allows someone to do something | My manager lets me work from home on Fridays. | |
| letter | /ˈlɛtər/ | to mark with letters | Please letter each box clearly. | |
| level | /ˈlɛvəl/ | to make flat or even | Workers level the ground before building. | |
| Lie | /laɪ/ | To say something that is not true | You should never lie to your parents. | |
| lies | /laɪz/ | is in a particular place or position | The village lies near the river. | |
| light | /laɪt/ | to start burning | Please light the candles carefully. | |
| like | /laɪk/ | to enjoy something | I like ice cream. | |
| Limit | /ˈlɪmɪt/ | The greatest amount, number, or level of something that is either possible or allowed | There is a speed limit on this road. | |
| line | /laɪn/ | to cover or form along an edge | Trees line the quiet street. | |
| link | /lɪŋk/ | to connect two things | The article links theory and practice. | |
| listed | /ˈlɪstəd/ | put on a list | He listed the names on the paper. | |
| listen | /ˈlɪsən/ | to pay attention to sound | Listen to the teacher. |
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.
