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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approve | /əˈpruv/ | To accept or agree to | My parents approved my plan. | |
| archive | /ˈɑrkaɪv/ | to store records for later use | They archive old emails each year. | |
| are | /ɑr/ | form of be used with you, we, and they | They are my friends. | |
| Argue | /ˈɑrgju/ | To speak angrily with someone | Don't argue with your sister. | |
| Arrange | /əˈreɪndʒ/ | To put things in order | I will arrange a meeting. | |
| Arrive | /əˈraɪv/ | To reach a place | The train will arrive soon. | |
| article | /ˈɑrtɪkəl/ | to bind by legal agreement | The apprentice was articled to a lawyer. | |
| ask | /æsk/ | to say a question | Ask the teacher. | |
| asked | /æskt/ | said you want an answer | He asked me a simple question. | |
| asking | /ˈæskɪŋ/ | requesting information or help | She is asking for directions to the station. | |
| assigned | /əˈsaɪnd/ | gave someone a task or duty | The manager assigned me a new project on Monday. | |
| Assist | /əˈsɪst/ | To help | Can I assist you with those bags? | |
| Assume | /əˈsum/ | To accept something as true | I assume you are right. | |
| Attack | /əˈtæk/ | To use violence against someone | The dog attacked the cat. | |
| Attempt | /əˈtɛmpt/ | To try to do something | I will attempt the test. | |
| Attend | /əˈtɛnd/ | To go to an event | I will attend the meeting. | |
| Attract | /əˈtrækt/ | To pull towards | Magnets attract metal. | |
| Avoid | /əˈvɔɪd/ | To stay away from | Avoid eating too much sugar. | |
| award | /əˈwɔrd/ | to give a prize or honor | The committee awarded him a scholarship. | |
| awarded | /əˈwɔrdɪd/ | gave something as a prize or honor | She was awarded a scholarship for her hard work. | |
| band | /bænd/ | to join together in a group | Neighbors banded together after the storm. | |
| base | /beɪs/ | build on or use as a foundation | They base their decision on facts. | |
| based | /beɪst/ | located in a particular place | The company is based in Chicago. | |
| be | /biː/ | to exist or have a state | I want to be happy. | |
| beach | /biːtʃ/ | run a boat onto shore | They beached the small boat safely. |
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.
