Essential Verbs: English Vocabulary List

to say something funny or behave in a way that makes people laugh

"He jokes about the silly mistake."

"Do not joke about serious matters like safety because someone could get hurt."

to set something on fire

"He lights the candle with a match."

"She used a match to light the candles on the birthday cake for her son."

to be important or have a great effect on someone or something

"Your opinion matters to me greatly."

"It does not matter what others think as long as you are happy with your choices."

to use a camera to take a picture of something

"He photographs the beautiful sunset scene."

"The professional photographer will photograph the wedding ceremony and the reception afterwards."

to say that something is going to happen before it actually takes place

"The weatherman predicts rain tomorrow."

"The weather report predicts rain for tomorrow so do not forget to bring your umbrella with you."

to not let someone do something

"Vaccines prevent many serious diseases."

"Regular hand washing can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in schools and other public places."

to close something

"He shuts the window before sleeping."

"Please shut the door quietly because the baby is sleeping in the next room."

to have in your hands or arms

"Hold my hand tightly."

"Please hold the door open for me as I have my hands full with groceries."

to be able to say who or what someone or something is

"Can you identify the suspect?"

"The witness was asked to identify the robber from a lineup of several suspects at the police station this morning."

to be part of an event, situation, or activity

"The game involves teamwork."

"This new role will involve managing a team of five and overseeing all client communications."

to hit a door, surface, etc. in a way to attract attention, especially expecting it to be opened

"I will knock the door."

"Please knock firmly on the wooden door if no one answers your initial attempt."

to guide or show the direction for others to follow

"He will lead us."

"His poor financial decisions could lead to bankruptcy if he is not careful."

to move a thing from a lower position or level to a higher one

"He can lift heavy weights easily."

"He injured his back while trying to lift a heavy box without using proper lifting techniques."

to establish a physical connection or attachment between two or more things

"She links the two web pages together."

"The new bridge will link the two cities and reduce travel time significantly."

to secure something with a lock or seal

"He locks the door when leaving home."

"Do not forget to lock all doors and windows before going to bed at night."

to leave a sign, line, etc. on something

"She marks the correct answer box."

"Please mark the important dates on your calendar so you do not forget them."

to say something about someone or something, without giving much detail

"Did he mention the meeting time?"

"The article mentioned several studies that support the claim but did not provide specific details about their methodologies."

(often used in negative or question form) to be upset, offended, or bothered by something

"I don't mind it."

"Please don't mind the mess; we're in the middle of renovating the entire house."

to give numbers to different parts of a list or series of objects or people

"She numbers the pages in order."

"Please number each page of your document to keep them in the correct order."

to make the necessary arrangements for an event or activity to take place

"We will organize a party."

"She decided to organize a surprise birthday party for her best friend next month."

to have something as for ourselves

"I own this book."

"He is lucky to own a beautiful house near the beach with a stunning ocean view."

to put clothes and other things needed for travel into a bag, suitcase, etc.

"She packs her suitcase for the trip."

"I need to pack my suitcase tonight because my flight leaves early tomorrow morning."

to give something to someone as a gift, often in a formal manner

"She presents a gift."

"The award ceremony will present the winners with trophies and a substantial cash prize."

to make words, pictures, or anything else on something such as a piece of paper using ink and a special device called printer

"I will print the document."

"The artist decided to print his latest masterpiece on high-quality archival paper."

to tell someone that one will do something or that a particular event will happen

"Promise me you will return safely."

"I promise to return your book by Friday because I know you need it for your exam."

to compete against someone to see who is the fastest

"Let's race to the finish line."

"The two brothers decided to race each other to the end of the street and back to see who was faster."

to show the correct way or place to someone

"The teacher will guide the students."

"The tour guide will guide visitors through the ancient ruins and explain the historical significance of each building."

to end the life of someone or something

"Farmers kill the harmful insects carefully."

"The hunter was arrested for trying to kill an endangered species of wild animal."

to adjust something to be in a suitable or desired condition for a specific purpose or use

"She sets the table for dinner."

"You need to set the table before the guests arrive for dinner tonight."

to move a car, bus, etc. into an empty place and leave it there for a short time

"He parks the car in the garage."

"It is illegal to park your car in front of a fire hydrant at any time."