Common Verbs: English Vocabulary List

to store information in a way that can be used in the future

"She records her voice for practice."

"The journalist used a small device to record the entire interview for later use."

to appear to be or do something particular

"You seem very tired today indeed."

"The new employee seems very motivated and eager to learn new skills."

to move on snow on two sliding bars that are worn on the feet

"He skis down the snowy mountain fast."

"We plan to ski in the French Alps during our winter vacation next year."

to act as a main character in a play, movie, etc.

"She stars in a famous movie role."

"The famous actor will star in the new action movie directed by James Cameron."

to take something from someone or somewhere without permission or paying for it

"Do not steal from other people."

"The employee was fired after trying to steal money from the cash register when he thought no one was watching him."

to send a written message using a cell phone

"She texts her friend the message."

"I will text you the address as soon as I arrive at the restaurant."

to put something or someone in a higher place or lift them to a higher position

"Raise your hand, please."

"The workers decided to raise the heavy furniture to the second floor."

to act or behave in a particular way in response to something

"He reacts quickly to the danger."

"How did your boss react when you told him about your mistake?"

to have a sudden or complete understanding of a fact or situation

"He finally realized his mistake."

"He did not realize how much his words had hurt her until he saw the tears streaming down her face."

to know who a person or what an object is, because we have heard, seen, etc. them before

"I recognize that face from somewhere."

"I barely managed to recognize my old childhood friend at the airport because he had changed so much over the past ten years."

to suggest to someone that something is good, convenient, etc.

"Doctors recommend eight hours of sleep."

"I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys authentic Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients."

to send someone to a doctor, specialist, etc. for help, advice, or a decision

"Students refer to the dictionary for help."

"Please refer to the user manual if you have any problems with the device."

to take something away from a position

"She removes the stain with soap."

"You need to remove the battery before cleaning the inside of the remote control."

to put someone or something new instead of someone or something else

"He replaces the old battery soon."

"It is time to replace the old worn out tires on your car."

to give a written or spoken description of an event to someone

"Report the incident now."

"The eyewitness was asked to report everything she saw to the police immediately after the accident occurred."

to answer a question in spoken or written form

"She responds to the email promptly."

"The company failed to respond to my complaint within a reasonable amount of time."

to move from a lower to a higher position

"The sun will rise."

"The hot air balloon began to rise slowly into the clear blue sky."

to travel on water using the power of wind or an engine

"They sail across the ocean every summer."

"He learned how to sail when he was just a boy and now he dreams of sailing across the entire Atlantic Ocean alone one day."

to keep someone or something safe and away from harm, death, etc.

"Save the cat!"

"The brave firefighter managed to save the family from the burning building."

to cause someone or something to move up and down or from one side to the other with short rapid movements

"Do not shake the bottle."

"The strong wind caused the tall trees to shake violently throughout the night."

to speak loudly, often associated with expressing anger or when you cannot hear what the other person is saying

"Do not shout at your parents."

"The coach shouted instructions to the players from the sidelines because the stadium was extremely loud and noisy."

to write one's name or mark on a document to indicate acceptance, approval, or endorsement of its contents

"Sign the paper now."

"Please sign your name at the bottom of the contract before returning it to us."

to think or believe that something is possible or true, without being sure

"I suppose it's true."

"I suppose the train will be here soon, but I'm not entirely certain of the exact arrival time."

to attach or connect two things by a rope, band, etc.

"He ties his shoelaces before walking."

"You need to tie your shoelaces properly or you might trip and fall down."

to pay attention and become aware of a particular thing or person

"I notice a change in you."

"Did you notice how the speaker paused dramatically before revealing the surprising conclusion of her inspiring story?"

to be present at a meeting, event, conference, etc.

"I will attend the meeting."

"All employees are expected to attend the mandatory training session next week."

to act violently against someone or something to try to harm them

"The dog will attack."

"The enemy decided to attack the city unexpectedly during the early morning hours."

to give someone what is needed or necessary

"She provides food for the guests."

"The hotel will provide free breakfast and Wi Fi for all its guests."

to try to find something or someone by carefully looking or investigating

"Search for the treasure."

"The detectives had to search the entire area for any clues related to the crime."

to make someone or something stay or remain in a specific state, position, or condition

"Keep the door open."

"She decided to keep her apartment meticulously clean and organized at all times."

to use your hands to move something or someone toward yourself or in the direction that your hands are moving

"Pull the door to close it."

"You need to pull the handle toward you rather than pushing it away to open the heavy door."

to use your hands, arms, body, etc. in order to make something or someone move forward or away from you

"Push the door to open it."

"You need to push the door instead of pulling it because the sign clearly says push to open."