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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| occurs | /əˈkɝz/ | happens or takes place | The problem occurs after heavy rain. | |
| Offer | /ˈɔfər/ | To ask someone if they would like to have something or if they would like you to do something | Can I offer you a drink? | |
| offers | /ˈɔfərz/ | presents or provides something | The store offers free shipping today. | |
| open | /ˈoʊpən/ | to not be closed | Open the window. | |
| opened | /ˈoʊpənd/ | moved something so it was not closed | She opened the window to let in fresh air. | |
| operate | /ˈɑː.pəˌreɪt/ | to control or use a machine or system | Only trained staff can operate this equipment. | |
| order | /ˈɔrdər/ | to ask for something to be supplied | I will order a pizza for dinner. | |
| ordered | /ˈɔrdɚd/ | asked for something to be brought or made | We ordered pizza for dinner. | |
| Organize | /ˈɔrɡəˌnaɪz/ | To plan or arrange | He organized the event. | |
| outside | /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd/ | to beat in a race or contest | The underdog outsided the favorite in the final stretch. | |
| Overcome | /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/ | To defeat or succeed | He overcame his fear. | |
| Owe | /oʊ/ | To need to pay back | I owe you ten dollars. | |
| own | /oʊn/ | to have something as property | They own a small house. | |
| Pack | /pæk/ | To put something into a bag box etc | I need to pack my suitcase. | |
| paid | /peɪd/ | gave money for something | She paid for lunch with cash. | |
| paint | /peɪnt/ | to put color on something | Paint the wall. | |
| Pant | /pænt/ | To breathe quickly | The dog was panting. | |
| park | /pɑrk/ | to leave a vehicle in a place | You can park behind the building. | |
| Participate | /pɑrˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ | To take part | I want to participate in the race. | |
| participating | /pɑrˈtɪsəˌpeɪtɪŋ/ | taking part in something | Many students are participating in the school play. | |
| party | /ˈpɑrti/ | to celebrate socially | They like to party on weekends. | |
| Pass | /pæs/ | To go past something or someone or move in relation to it them or a place | I pass the park on my way to work. | |
| Paste | /peɪst/ | Insert copied data | Paste it here. | |
| Pause | /pɔz/ | To stop speaking or doing something for a short time | She paused before answering. | |
| Pay | /peɪ/ | To give money for something | I need to pay for the food. |
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.
