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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Update | /ˈʌpdeɪt/ | To add the latest information | I need to update my phone. | |
| updated | /ʌpˈdeɪtəd/ | made more current | He updated the app on his phone. | |
| Upgrade | /ˈʌpɡreɪd/ | Improve something | Upgrade your computer. | |
| Upload | /ˈʌpˌloʊd/ | Send data to the internet | Upload your photo. | |
| Use | /juːz/ | To do something with an object | Can I use your pen? | |
| used | /juːzd/ | past tense of use | She used a map to find the office. | |
| uses | /ˈjuzɪz/ | employs something for a purpose | He uses a laptop for work. | |
| using | /ˈjuːzɪŋ/ | doing something with a thing | She is using my pen. | |
| value | /ˈvæljuː/ | to think something is important | We value honest feedback from customers. | |
| Vary | /ˈvɛr.i/ | If things of the same type vary, they are different from each other, and if you vary them, you cause them to be different from each other | The prices of the rooms vary depending on the season. | |
| version | /ˈvɝʒən/ | to adapt into a different form | The editor versioned the text for schools. | |
| view | /vjuː/ | to look at something | You can view the report online. | |
| views | /vjuːz/ | looks at or considers something | She views the plan as risky. | |
| Visit | /ˈvɪzɪt/ | To go to see a person or place | I will visit my grandparents tomorrow. | |
| visiting | /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/ | going to see a person or place | We are visiting our cousins this weekend. | |
| Vote | /voʊt/ | To choose a person or party in an election | I will vote for him in the election. | |
| Wait | /weɪt/ | To stay in a place until something happens | Wait for the bus. | |
| Wake | /weɪk/ | To stop sleeping | I wake up at seven. | |
| walk | /wɔk/ | to move on foot | Walk to school. | |
| Want | /wɑnt/ | To wish for something | I want an ice cream. | |
| wanted | /ˈwɑːntɪd/ | needed or wished for something | I wanted a glass of water. | |
| Warn | /wɔrn/ | To make someone realize a possible danger or problem, often one in the future | He warned me about the heavy traffic. | |
| warning | /ˈwɔrnɪŋ/ | giving notice of danger | They are warning drivers about ice. | |
| was | /wʌz/ | past form of "is" | She was at home yesterday. | |
| Wash | /wɑʃ/ | To make something clean with water | Wash your hands. |
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.
