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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beat | /biːt/ | To defeat someone in a game or competition | Our team beat them 3-0. | |
| become | /bɪˈkʌm/ | to start to be something | She wants to become a doctor. | |
| becomes | /bɪˈkʌmz/ | changes into something else | Water becomes ice when the temperature drops enough. | |
| becoming | /bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ | starting to be something | The weather is becoming warmer every day. | |
| bed | /bɛd/ | to place firmly in something | They bedded the posts in concrete. | |
| been | /bɪn/ | past participle of "be" | I have been to London once. | |
| Begin | /bɪˈgɪn/ | To start | The movie begins at eight. | |
| begins | /bɪˈɡɪnz/ | starts | The movie begins at seven o'clock. | |
| Behave | /bɪˈheɪv/ | To act in a particular way | The children behaved well today. | |
| being | /ˈbiːɪŋ/ | existing or happening now | The work is being completed today. | |
| Believe | /bɪˈliv/ | To think something is true | I believe you. | |
| Belong | /bɪˈlɔːŋ/ | To be the property of someone | This book belongs to me. | |
| Bend | /bɛnd/ | To move your body or part of your body so that it is not straight | Bend your knees when you lift heavy things. | |
| bet | /bɛt/ | risk money on an uncertain result | He bet ten dollars on the game. | |
| bid | /bɪd/ | to offer a price | He will bid on the old bike. | |
| bill | /bɪl/ | charge someone for goods or services | The lawyer billed the client monthly. | |
| black | /blæk/ | to make something black | Smoke blacked the ceiling quickly. | |
| Blame | /bleɪm/ | To say or think that someone or something did something wrong | Don't blame me for the mistake. | |
| Blow | /bloʊ/ | To move and make currents of air | The wind is blowing hard. | |
| Boil | /bɔɪl/ | To heat liquid until it bubbles | Boil the water for the tea. | |
| book | /bʊk/ | to reserve something in advance | They book a hotel every summer. | |
| Born | /bɔrn/ | To come out of a mother's body | I was born in London. | |
| Borrow | /ˈbɑroʊ/ | To take something and give it back later | Can I borrow your pen for a moment? | |
| bounce | /baʊns/ | to spring back | Bounce the ball. | |
| Break | /breɪk/ | To damage something so it separates | Be careful not to break the glass. |
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.
