Essential Verbs: English Vocabulary List

to tell a person that one is sorry for having done something wrong

"He will apologize for his mistake."

"He called his friend to apologize for forgetting their lunch appointment and promised to make it up to him."

to cook food, usually in an oven, without any extra fat or liquid

"Let's bake cookies."

"We will bake a simple loaf of bread using only flour, water, and yeast, letting the oven do the work."

to gain something good from something or someone

"Reading benefits your mind."

"Learning a new language can greatly benefit your career prospects and personal growth."

to be the main object of interest, attention, or concern

"The story centers on her."

"The entire campaign will center on raising awareness about environmental protection."

to tell a person that one admires something about them such as achievements, appearance, etc.

"She complimented her friend's new hairstyle."

"The manager took a moment to compliment the team on their excellent performance during the difficult project."

to be constructed from or made up of certain things or people

"The team consists of five players."

"The committee will consist of ten members who will be elected by the board next week."

to communicate with someone by calling or writing to them

"Contact me by phone."

"Please contact our customer service department if you have any problems with your new device."

to compare two people or things so that their differences are noticeable

"Her dark hair contrasts with fair skin."

"The designer chose to contrast the bright yellow walls with dark wooden furniture."

to agree with the truth of something, particularly in an unwilling manner

"He finally agreed to admit his mistake."

"After hours of interrogation the suspect finally admitted to committing the crime and apologized for his actions."

to provide someone with suggestion or guidance regarding a specific situation

"I advise you to study more."

"I would advise you to save some money each month because unexpected expenses can arise at any time."

to direct or guide something such as a weapon at a person or thing

"Aim the camera carefully."

"The archer will aim his arrow at the distant bullseye with intense concentration."

to make plans or decisions known by officially telling people about them

"The principal will announce the schedule."

"The company will announce its quarterly earnings results during a press conference scheduled for next Thursday morning."

to help a person in performing a task, achieving a goal, or dealing with a problem

"I will assist you."

"The librarian will assist patrons in finding the books they need."

to physically connect or fasten something to another thing

"Attach the label here."

"Please attach the necessary documents to the email before sending it out."

to recognize someone's achievements by giving them something such as an official prize, payment, etc.

"They award the prize."

"The committee will award a scholarship to the most deserving student."

to become curved or no longer straight

"The tree will bend."

"The strong winds caused the tall tree to bend precariously in the storm."

to stop the flow or movement of something through somewhere

"The tree will block the view."

"A fallen tree blocked the road for several hours until workers could remove it with heavy equipment."

to put effort and energy into doing something

"Don't bother him now."

"He decided not to bother calling them back since it was late."

to put a dead person or animal beneath the ground

"They bury the pet."

"The family decided to bury their beloved dog in the backyard garden."

to say that something is the case without providing proof for it

"He claims he is innocent."

"The politician made a bold claim about economic growth without providing any supporting evidence."

to remove unwanted or unnecessary things from something or somewhere

"Clear the clutter from desk."

"Please clear all the unnecessary items from the table before we eat."

to mix in order to make a single unit

"Combine flour and sugar."

"You should combine the dry ingredients before adding the wet ones for the cake."

to focus one's all attention on something specific

"Please concentrate on your homework."

"It is difficult to concentrate on your studies when there are loud noises coming from the street outside."

to come to a personal determination or belief after considering information or experiences

"I conclude this is best."

"After reviewing all the evidence, the jury will conclude that the defendant is guilty."

to show or say that something is the case, particularly by providing proof

"Please confirm your reservation online."

"Please confirm your attendance at the conference by replying to this email before the deadline next Friday."

to misunderstand or mistake a thing as something else or a person for someone else

"I confuse him with John."

"Do not confuse the two sisters because they look very similar but have very different personalities."

to make someone feel certain about the truth of something

"Convince me that it is true."

"The lawyer worked diligently to convince the judge of his client's innocence."

to say the meaning of an expression or word, particularly in a dictionary

"Can you define this word?"

"The dictionary helps define words clearly but sometimes the definitions can be just as confusing as the words themselves."

to bring and give a letter, package, etc. to a specific person or place

"The postman delivers mail every morning."

"The postal service usually delivers packages before noon but sometimes they arrive later in the afternoon."

to learn of and confirm the facts about something through calculation or research

"The test will determine your level."

"The scientists conducted several experiments to determine whether the new drug was safe for human use or not at all."

to separate people or things into two or more groups, parts, etc.

"Divide the cake into four."

"The teacher will divide the students into smaller groups for the collaborative project."

to not believe or trust in something's truth or accuracy

"I doubt his explanation completely."

"I seriously doubt that he will arrive on time because he is always late for everything."

to provide someone with support, hope, or confidence

"Encourage the team to win."

"Her encouraging words helped the athlete overcome his self-doubt and perform exceptionally well."

to be a member of a group, organization, etc.

"I belong to this club."

"She felt that she truly belonged with her new friends after a difficult period."

to become something greater in quantity, importance, or size

"The business will expand."

"The company plans to expand its operations into international markets next year."