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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| listing | /ˈlɪstɪŋ/ | making a list of items | She is listing all the supplies needed. | |
| lists | /lɪsts/ | states items one by one | The guide lists all required documents. | |
| Live | /lɪv/ | To have your home somewhere | I live in a small apartment. | |
| lived | /lɪvd/ | had a home in a place | She lived in Chicago for five years. | |
| Locate | /loʊˈkeɪt/ | To find the exact position of someone or something | I can't locate my keys. | |
| Lock | /lɑk/ | To fasten something with a key | Don't forget to lock the door. | |
| log | /lɔɡ/ | to record information | Please log your hours online. | |
| login | /ˈlɔɡ ˌɪn/ | to enter a computer system | Please login before accessing your account. | |
| look | /lʊk/ | to direct your eyes | Look at the board. | |
| looking | /ˈlʊkɪŋ/ | using your eyes to see | She is looking at the map. | |
| Lose | /luːz/ | To no longer have something because you do not know where it is | Don't lose your keys. | |
| lost | /lɔst/ | past tense of lose | She lost her keys at the park. | |
| love | /lʌv/ | to like very much | I love my family. | |
| Lower | /ˈloʊər/ | To move something into a low position | Please lower your voice. | |
| made | /meɪd/ | past form of "make" | My mother made a cake. | |
| /meɪl/ | to send by post | I will mail the letter tomorrow. | ||
| mailing | /ˈmeɪlɪŋ/ | sending something by mail | She is mailing the package today. | |
| Maintain | /meɪnˈteɪn/ | To continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less | It's important to maintain a healthy diet. | |
| maintained | /meɪnˈteɪnd/ | kept in good condition or continued | The school maintained the old building very carefully. | |
| make | /meɪk/ | to create something | Make a cake. | |
| makes | /meɪks/ | creates or causes something | My mother makes great soup. | |
| making | /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ | creating or producing something | She is making dinner now. | |
| Manage | /ˈmænɪdʒ/ | To be responsible for controlling or organizing someone or something | He manages a large team. | |
| managed | /ˈmænɪdʒd/ | controlled or dealt with something successfully | She managed the team during a busy season. | |
| managing | /ˈmænɪdʒɪŋ/ | controlling or organizing something successfully | She is managing a team of ten people. |
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.
