100 Common Verbs with Examples

Introduction

Verbs are essential components of English sentences. They describe actions, states, and occurrences. This guide covers 100 common English verbs, including definitions and examples, to help you understand and use them effectively in your writing and speech.

List of Common English Verbs with Examples

1. Be

Definition: To exist, to occur, to take place.

I am a student.
She is being very quiet today.
They have been friends for years.

2. Have

Definition: To possess, to hold, to own.

I have a car.
She has a meeting at 10 AM.
They have had this house for a decade.

3. Do

Definition: To perform an action or activity.

I do my homework every evening.
What are you doing?
He has done his chores already.

4. Say

Definition: To speak, to express in words.

She says she will come tomorrow.
He said he was tired.
They are saying it’s going to rain.

5. Go

Definition: To move from one place to another.

I go to school by bus.
She went to the store.
We are going on a trip next month.

6. Can

Definition: To be able to, to have the ability to.

I can swim.
She could play the piano when she was five.
Can you help me with this?

7. Get

Definition: To receive, to obtain, to become.

I get up early every day.
She got a new job.
They are getting ready for the party.

8. Would

Definition: Indicates a hypothetical or conditional action.

I would go if I had the time.
She would like to visit France.
Would you help me with this?

9. Make

Definition: To create, to produce, to cause.

I make dinner every night.
She made a cake for the party.
We are making a new plan.

10. Know

Definition: To be aware of, to have knowledge of.

I know the answer.
She knew him in college.
They have known each other for years.

11. Will

Definition: Indicates future action or intent.

I will call you later.
She will be here soon.
Will you come to the meeting?

12. Think

Definition: To have a particular opinion, belief, or idea.

I think it’s a good idea.
She thought about it for a long time.
What are you thinking about?

13. Take

Definition: To acquire possession, control, or occupancy of something.

I take a shower every morning.
She took the book from the shelf.
They are taking a break.

14. See

Definition: To perceive with the eyes.

I see a bird in the tree.
She saw him at the park.
Have you seen my keys?

15. Come

Definition: To move toward or arrive at a specified place.

Please come here.
She came to my house yesterday.
They are coming to the party.

16. Could

Definition: Past tense of can; used to indicate possibility.

I could run faster when I was younger.
She could be the one who took it.
Could you pass the salt?

17. Want

Definition: To desire something.

I want a new phone.
She wanted to go to the concert.
They are wanting to leave soon.

18. Look

Definition: To direct one’s gaze in a specified direction.

Look at that beautiful sunset.
She looked very happy.
They are looking for a new apartment.

19. Use

Definition: To employ for a purpose.

I use my phone for everything.
She used the computer all day.
We are using this room for the meeting.

20. Find

Definition: To discover or perceive after a search.

I find it hard to concentrate.
She found her lost keys.
They are finding new ways to solve the problem.

21. Give

Definition: To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation.

I give my friend gifts on her birthday.
She gave him a hug.
We are giving a presentation.

22. Tell

Definition: To communicate information, facts, or news.

Please tell me the truth.
She told him to wait.
They are telling everyone the news.

23. Work (continued)

Definition: To exert effort for a purpose or out of necessity.

I work at a bank.
She worked all night.
We are working on a new project.

24. May

Definition: Used to express possibility or permission.

You may leave early today.
She may come to the party.
May I ask you a question?

25. Should

Definition: Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness.

You should apologize.
She should have studied more.
Should we go now?

26. Call

Definition: To contact or communicate with by phone or other means.

I will call you tomorrow.
She called him last night.
They are calling everyone to the meeting.

27. Try

Definition: To attempt to do something.

I will try my best.
She tried to lift the box.
They are trying to solve the problem.

28. Ask

Definition: To inquire or request information.

Ask him for directions.
She asked about the price.
They are asking for more time.

29. Need

Definition: To require something because it is essential or important.

I need a break.
She needed more information.
They are needing more supplies.

30. Feel

Definition: To experience an emotion or sensation.

I feel happy today.
She felt cold.
They are feeling tired.

31. Become

Definition: To begin to be; to grow to be.

He wants to become a doctor.
She became very successful.
They are becoming friends.

32. Leave

Definition: To go away from a place.

I leave for work at 8 AM.
She left the party early.
They are leaving now.

33. Put

Definition: To move or place something in a particular position.

Put the book on the table.
She put her keys in her bag.
They are putting up decorations.

34. Mean

Definition: To convey or signify.

What do you mean?
She meant to help.
They are meaning well.

35. Keep

Definition: To retain possession of.

Keep the change.
She kept her promise.
They are keeping their word.

36. Let

Definition: To allow or permit.

Let him try.
She let her friend borrow the book.
They are letting us stay here.

37. Begin

Definition: To start or commence.

Begin when you are ready.
She began her speech.
They are beginning a new chapter.

38. Seem

Definition: To give the impression of being.

You seem happy.
She seemed tired.
They are seeming anxious.

39. Help

Definition: To assist or aid.

Can you help me?
She helped him with his homework.
They are helping each other.

40. Talk

Definition: To speak or converse.

We need to talk.
She talked to her friend.
They are talking about the project.

41. Turn

Definition: To move around a central point.

Turn left at the corner.
She turned the page.
They are turning on the lights.

42. Start

Definition: To begin or commence.

Let’s start the meeting.
She started a new job.
They are starting a new project.

43. Might

Definition: Used to express possibility.

It might rain today.
She might come to the party.
They might be late.

44. Show

Definition: To display or exhibit.

Show me your work.
She showed him the way.
They are showing their new product.

45. Hear

Definition: To perceive sound.

Can you hear that noise?
She heard a strange sound.
They are hearing the news.

46. Play

Definition: To engage in an activity for enjoyment.

Play outside.
She played the piano.
They are playing soccer.

47. Run

Definition: To move at a speed faster than a walk.

I run every morning.
She ran to the store.
They are running a marathon.

48. Move

Definition: To change position or place.

Move the chair.
She moved to a new city.
They are moving next month.

49. Like

Definition: To find agreeable or enjoyable.

I like pizza.
She liked the movie.
They are liking their new job.

50. Live

Definition: To have life; to exist.

I live in New York.
She lived in Paris for a year.
They are living together.

51. Believe

Definition: To accept as true.

I believe in you.
She believed his story.
They are believing in miracles.

52. Hold

Definition: To have or keep in hand.

Hold the baby carefully.
She held the book tightly.
They are holding a meeting.

53. Bring

Definition: To take or go with something to a place.

Bring your homework.
She brought a gift.
They are bringing snacks.

54. Happen

Definition: To take place; occur.

What will happen next?
She happened to see him.
It is happening now.

55. Must

Definition: Indicates necessity or obligation.

You must finish your work.
She must be tired.
They must have been there.

56. Write

Definition: To form letters, words, or symbols on a surface.

Write your name here.
She wrote a letter.
They are writing a report.

57. Provide

Definition: To supply or make available.

Provide the details.
She provided the information.
They are providing support.

58. Sit

Definition: To rest on the buttocks or haunches.

Sit here, please.
She sat by the window.
They are sitting in the front row.

59. Stand

Definition: To be in an upright position.

Stand up.
She stood in line.
They are standing together.

60. Lose

Definition: To be deprived of something.

Don’t lose your keys.
She lost her phone.
They are losing hope.

61. Pay

Definition: To give money in exchange for goods or services.

Pay the bill.
She paid for the groceries.
They are paying the rent.

62. Meet

Definition: To come into the presence of someone.

Let’s meet tomorrow.
She met him at the park.
They are meeting for coffee.

63. Include

Definition: To contain as part of the whole.

Include your address.
She included a note.
They are including everyone.

64. Continue

Definition: To persist in an activity or process.

Continue reading.
She continued her studies.
They are continuing their journey.

65. Set

Definition: To put in a particular position.

Set the table.
She set the alarm.
They are setting up the equipment.

66. Learn

Definition: To acquire knowledge or skill.

Learn something new.
She learned to swim.
They are learning Spanish.

67. Change

Definition: To make or become different.

Change your clothes.
She changed her mind.
They are changing the schedule.

68. Lead

Definition: To guide or direct.

Lead the way.
She led the team.
They are leading the project.

69. Understand

Definition: To grasp the meaning of something.

Do you understand?
She understood the problem.
They are understanding more each day.

70. Watch (continued)

Definition: To look at or observe attentively over a period of time.

Watch the movie.
She watched the sunset.
They are watching TV.

71. Follow

Definition: To come after in sequence; to adhere to.

Follow me.
She followed the instructions.
They are following the leader.

72. Stop

Definition: To cease movement or operation.

Stop the car.
She stopped crying.
They are stopping for lunch.

73. Create

Definition: To bring something into existence.

Create a new file.
She created a beautiful painting.
They are creating a website.

74. Speak

Definition: To talk; to express thoughts verbally.

Speak louder.
She spoke at the meeting.
They are speaking with the manager.

75. Read

Definition: To look at and comprehend the meaning of written or printed matter.

Read the instructions.
She read a novel.
They are reading the newspaper.

76. Allow

Definition: To permit or give permission.

Allow them to enter.
She allowed her child to stay up late.
They are allowing pets in the apartment.

77. Add

Definition: To join or combine.

Add more sugar.
She added her name to the list.
They are adding new features.

78. Spend

Definition: To use money or time.

Spend wisely.
She spent all her savings.
They are spending the weekend at the beach.

79. Grow

Definition: To increase in size or amount.

Grow vegetables.
She grew up in New York.
They are growing fast.

80. Open

Definition: To move something so that an opening is created.

Open the door.
She opened the book.
They are opening a new store.

81. Walk

Definition: To move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn.

Walk to the park.
She walked home.
They are walking together.

82. Win

Definition: To achieve victory in a contest or competition.

Win the game.
She won a prize.
They are winning the match.

83. Offer

Definition: To present something for someone to accept or reject as desired.

Offer help.
She offered him a job.
They are offering discounts.

84. Remember

Definition: To recall from memory.

Remember to lock the door.
She remembered his birthday.
They are remembering their trip.

85. Love

Definition: To feel deep affection for someone.

I love chocolate.
She loved her pet.
They are loving the new place.

86. Consider

Definition: To think about carefully.

Consider this proposal.
She considered his advice.
They are considering moving.

87. Appear

Definition: To become visible or noticeable.

Appear on stage.
She appeared suddenly.
They are appearing in the show.

88. Buy

Definition: To acquire in exchange for payment.

Buy groceries.
She bought a new dress.
They are buying a car.

89. Wait

Definition: To stay in place until a particular event occurs.

Wait here.
She waited for an hour.
They are waiting for the bus.

90. Serve

Definition: To perform duties or services for another person or an organization.

Serve dinner.
She served in the army.
They are serving drinks.

91. Die

Definition: To cease to live.

The plant will die without water.
She died peacefully.
They are dying of thirst.

92. Send

Definition: To cause to go or be taken to a particular destination.

Send an email.
She sent a letter.
They are sending invitations.

93. Expect

Definition: To think that something will happen.

I expect you to be on time.
She expected a reply.
They are expecting visitors.

94. Build

Definition: To construct by putting parts or materials together.

Build a house.
She built a model.
They are building a bridge.

95. Stay

Definition: To remain in a particular place.

Stay here.
She stayed overnight.
They are staying at a hotel.

96. Fall

Definition: To move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control.

Don’t fall.
She fell off the bike.
They are falling behind schedule.

97. Cut

Definition: To penetrate with a sharp instrument.

Cut the paper.
She cut her finger.
They are cutting the ribbon.

98. Reach

Definition: To arrive at; to stretch out.

Reach the top shelf.
She reached her goal.
They are reaching out for help.

99. Kill

Definition: To cause the death of a living thing.

Kill the lights.
She killed the bug.
They are killing time.

100. Remain

Definition: To continue to exist, especially after other similar people or things have ceased to do so.

Remain calm.
She remained silent.
They are remaining seated.

Conclusion

Understanding and using these common verbs will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. Practice using them in sentences to get comfortable with their meanings and uses. Keep referring to this guide to improve your proficiency in English verbs.