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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swallow | /ˈswɑloʊ/ | To cause food drink pills etc to move from your mouth into your stomach by using the muscles of your throat | The tablets are too big to swallow. | |
| Swear | /swɛr/ | To use words that are rude or offensive | It is rude to swear. | |
| swim | /swɪm/ | to move in water | Swim in the pool. | |
| Swipe | /swaɪp/ | Move finger across screen | Swipe left. | |
| Switch | /swɪtʃ/ | To use a switch to change a device from one state or type of operation to another | Can you switch the light on? | |
| table | /ˈteɪbəl/ | to delay discussion of something | They tabled the proposal until next week. | |
| take | /teɪk/ | to get and carry | Take the book. | |
| taken | /ˈteɪkən/ | carried or moved from one place | She has taken the books home. | |
| takes | /teɪks/ | carries out or receives something | She takes the bus to work every day. | |
| taking | /ˈteɪkɪŋ/ | getting or carrying something | She is taking her books to class. | |
| talk | /tɔk/ | to speak | Talk to your friend. | |
| Taste | /teɪst/ | To put food or drink in your mouth to find out what flavour it has | Taste the soup and see if it needs salt. | |
| taught | /tɔt/ | gave lessons; past of teach | My grandfather taught me how to fish. | |
| Teach | /tiːtʃ/ | To give someone knowledge or to train someone to instruct | She teaches English at the school. | |
| teaching | /ˈtitʃɪŋ/ | helping others learn | He is teaching math this year. | |
| tell | /tɛl/ | to give information | Tell a story. | |
| tells | /tɛlz/ | says something to someone | She tells funny stories at dinner. | |
| test | /tɛst/ | to check quality or performance | Engineers test the software before release. | |
| tested | /ˈtɛstɪd/ | checked how well something works | The engineers tested the new machine for safety. | |
| testing | /ˈtɛstɪŋ/ | checking quality or performance | Engineers are testing the new software. | |
| text | /tɛkst/ | to send a message by phone | Text me when you arrive. | |
| Thank | /θæŋk/ | To tell someone you are grateful | I want to thank you for your help. | |
| Think | /θɪŋk/ | To use your mind | I think it is good. | |
| thought | /θɔt/ | past tense of think | She thought about the offer all night. | |
| throw | /θroʊ/ | to send something through the air | Throw the ball. |
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.
