Common Verbs: English Vocabulary List

to do a particular thing or have the qualities needed for being punished or rewarded

"She deserves a promotion for her hard work."

"She deserves a promotion because she has worked very hard and achieved excellent results for the company this year."

to forgive someone for making a mistake, etc.

"Please excuse me for being late."

"Please excuse my late arrival because there was a terrible traffic jam on the highway this morning."

to make someone admire and respect one

"He wants to impress his boss."

"He hoped to impress his new boss by arriving early and completing all of his tasks before the deadline."

to stop or pause a process, activity, etc. temporarily

"Do not interrupt when others speak."

"It is considered extremely rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking so please wait until they have finished their sentence completely first."

to have or include a variety of what is mentioned

"Prices range from very cheap to expensive."

"The prices of the products range from ten dollars to over one thousand dollars depending on the quality and brand."

to fully depend on someone or something

"You can rely on her completely."

"You can always rely on your best friend to give you honest advice even when it is difficult to hear."

to make someone experience something unpleasant

"They subject prisoners to harsh conditions."

"The prisoners were subjected to cruel treatment and harsh conditions during their time in the camp."

to speak very softly or quietly, usually to avoid being overheard by others who are nearby

"Do not whisper in class."

"The students whispered quietly to each other while the teacher was writing on the board because they did not want to be caught."

to make dirty with a substance, such as mud or dirt

"Don't soil your clothes."

"Be careful not to soil your clean white trousers with the spilled coffee on the floor."

to wake up later than one intended to

"He oversleeps and misses his flight."

"I overslept this morning and missed the bus, so I had to take a taxi to work."

to go somewhere with someone

"I will accompany you home."

"The father agreed to accompany his young daughter to the school dance because she was nervous about going alone."

to gain skills or knowledge in something

"He acquired new skills quickly online."

"After saving money for several years he finally managed to acquire the rare painting that he had always wanted for his collection."

to come near a specific degree, amount, size, etc.

"The car approaches fast."

"The cat approached the mouse slowly and carefully so as not to scare its prey away."

to cause someone to worry

"This news concerns him."

"The new safety regulations concern all factory workers and anyone else who works with heavy machinery on a daily basis."

to become visible after coming out of somewhere

"New evidence emerges during the investigation."

"The sun finally emerged from behind the dark clouds after three days of continuous heavy rain and gloomy weather."

to take part in or become involved with something actively

"Let's engage in the game."

"She decided to engage actively in the community project to make a positive impact."

to keep what one has or to continue having something

"I will retain this book."

"Despite the challenges, the company managed to retain its market share due to strong customer loyalty."

to make information that was previously unknown or kept in secrecy publicly known

"The report will reveal the truth."

"The investigation revealed shocking evidence that completely changed the direction of the criminal case."

to try to find a particular thing or person

"I seek help now."

"Many job seekers seek opportunities that align with their long-term career aspirations and personal values."

to feel the existence of something by touch or other sensory perceptions, excluding sight or hearing

"Dogs sense danger nearby."

"She could sense the tension in the room even before anyone spoke a word."

to give something a particular form

"Exercise helps shape your body."

"The sculptor used a variety of tools to shape the rough block of marble into a beautiful human figure."

to move from a particular place or position to another

"The car will shift."

"The government plans to shift its focus towards renewable energy sources in the coming years."

to be divided into smaller groups or parts

"The group will split."

"After the discussion, the committee decided to split into smaller working groups to address specific issues."

to notice or see someone or something that is hard to do so

"She spots her friend in the crowd."

"The eagle spotted a small rabbit in the grass below and immediately dove down to catch its prey."

to be around something on all sides

"High walls surround the ancient castle."

"The police surrounded the building to prevent the suspect from escaping through any exits or windows."

to state that what one is saying is true

"He swears to tell the truth."

"The witness swore to tell the truth before she began her testimony in front of the judge and jury."

to forcibly pull something apart into pieces

"Tear the paper along the line."

"Please be very careful not to tear the ancient document while you are handling it now."

to follow someone or something by examining the marks they leave behind in order to catch them or know what they are doing

"Scientists track the animal's movements carefully."

"The police used dogs to track the missing child through the forest after he wandered away from home."

to make a person or thing move from a place, situation, or person to another

"She transfers money to her savings account."

"The student decided to transfer to a different university because she was unhappy with her current program of study."

to change the appearance, character, or nature of a person or object

"A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly."

"The caterpillar will transform into a beautiful butterfly after spending several weeks inside its chrysalis."

to strongly recommend something

"I urge you to go."

"Scientists strongly urge the public to take preventative measures against the spread of the virus."

to experience change, often in response to different situations or conditions

"Prices vary greatly."

"The quality of the ingredients will often vary depending on the season and location."

to change into a specific state, particularly one that is not desirable

"Milk will go sour."

"If you leave food out too long, it will inevitably go bad."

to convey or make a specific impression when read about or when heard

"It sounds good."

"The proposal for a new park sounds like an excellent idea for improving community well-being."

to involve or be about someone or something

"This concerns you."

"The new regulations will directly concern all small business owners in the district."

to protect something against danger or harm

"We must preserve it."

"Efforts are underway to preserve the ancient artifacts from further deterioration."

to reappear after being absent or lost for a period of time

"The road resurfaced smoothly."

"The lost treasure was rumored to resurface after centuries hidden beneath the waves."