60 English Verbs for Beginners: Building Your Foundation

Learning English requires a strategic approach. When faced with thousands of words to memorize, knowing which ones to prioritize makes all the difference in your progress. Verbs—the action words that drive your sentences—form the backbone of effective communication. Master the right ones first, and you'll achieve conversational ability much faster.

Why Focus on Essential Verbs First?

Research demonstrates that just 50 common verbs constitute approximately 70% of the verbs used in everyday English conversation. This concentration of usage isn't random—it reflects the fundamental role these verbs play in expressing basic needs, asking questions, and describing daily activities.

These core verbs deserve priority because they offer exceptional versatility. Verbs like "be," "have," "do," "go," and "get" can be combined with other words to express countless ideas. By concentrating on these foundational verbs before advancing to specialized vocabulary, you'll quickly develop the ability to:

Express basic needs and wants
Form questions and answers
Describe your routine activities
Navigate everyday social situations

This targeted approach accelerates your path to meaningful communication rather than overwhelming you with vocabulary that might remain unused for months.

The Most Important English Verbs for Beginners

1. Be

"Be" functions as the cornerstone of English—you simply cannot construct meaningful sentences without it. It serves dual purposes: as a main verb showing existence or states ("I am hungry") and as an auxiliary verb forming continuous tenses ("They are studying").

Its forms include:

am, is, are (present)
was, were (past)
been (past participle)

"The students are excited about their progress" demonstrates how "be" connects a subject (students) with their state (excited).

Though its patterns are irregular, "be" appears so frequently in everyday speech that you'll quickly internalize its forms. Mastering this verb first enables you to form questions, create negative statements, and express foundational ideas immediately.

2. Have

"Have" ranks among the most versatile verbs in English. It functions both as an auxiliary verb in perfect tenses ("I have completed my assignment") and as a main verb indicating possession ("She has an interesting accent").

"They have three language partners to practice with" demonstrates the possession meaning you'll need from day one of your learning journey.

English speakers in different regions use "have" slightly differently in questions. British English speakers might say "Have you any questions?" while American English speakers typically say "Do you have any questions?" Both forms are correct—choose whichever feels most natural to your learning goals.

You'll encounter "have" in numerous everyday expressions: have lunch, have a shower, have fun, have a cold. Learning these common phrases gives you immediate communication wins without memorizing excessive vocabulary.

3. Do

"Do" serves as your essential tool for creating questions and negatives in English. Unlike many languages, English relies on "do" to form questions ("Do you speak Spanish?") and negatives ("I don't understand"). It also functions as an emphasis marker ("I do want to improve my English!").

"She doesn't practice pronunciation enough" illustrates how "do" combines with "not" to create negative statements. Notice how the main verb "practice" remains in its base form while "does" handles the grammatical heavy lifting.

Learning "do" empowers you to ask almost any question immediately. The pattern remains straightforward—simply place "do" or "does" at the beginning to transform any statement into a question. This works for inquiring about actions, habits, and facts—making your conversations flow naturally from the beginning.

Native speakers often emphasize "do" to show conviction: "You might think I don't care, but I do care." This simple technique helps you express feelings and clarify misunderstandings during conversations.

4. Make

"Make" lets you discuss creation in all its forms. When crafting something with your hands, preparing food, or bringing ideas to life, "make" helps you express it precisely. While "do" works for activities, "make" focuses on what you produce or create.

"He makes beautiful pottery in his spare time" demonstrates how this verb connects creators with their creations. Notice how the verb changes with "he" to become "makes."

You'll hear "make" in countless everyday phrases: make breakfast, make a mistake, make money, make a decision, make friends. These expressions instantly enhance your speaking ability without requiring dozens of new vocabulary words.

"Make" also describes causing reactions: "The funny story made everyone laugh." This helps you explain how one thing affects another—perfect for relating daily experiences or sharing anecdotes in English conversations.

5. Get

"Get" functions as the Swiss Army knife of English verbs—it performs nearly everything! This highly practical verb primarily means obtaining something ("I got tickets for the concert") or becoming something ("It's getting late").

"The children get excited when they practice speaking with authentic materials" shows how "get" captures changing emotions or states. The form remains simple with most subjects but becomes "gets" with he/she/it.

You'll encounter "get" everywhere in natural conversations through expressions like get up, get going, get along, get over it, and get the hang of something. Adding these phrases to your repertoire makes you sound more natural without memorizing hundreds of additional words.

Remember that "get" changes to "got" in the past tense—it's irregular but used so frequently you'll acquire it quickly. American English speakers might say "I've gotten better" while British English speakers often prefer "I've got better"—both work perfectly in conversation.

6. Take

"Take" helps you grab objects, use transportation, and perform actions. When moving items ("take the book"), using vehicles ("take the train"), or performing daily activities ("take a shower"), this versatile verb comes to your aid.

"The language learners take notes during every class to review later" demonstrates how naturally this verb fits into everyday situations. With he/she/it subjects, remember to use "takes" instead.

You'll sound more fluent when you use these common expressions:

Take a break: Pause your activity
Take care: Look after yourself or others
Take place: Happen or occur
Take time: Require duration to complete
Take advantage of: Use an opportunity

When discussing transportation, English speakers prefer "take the bus" rather than "go by bus"—a small difference that makes your English sound more natural and confident.

7. Say

"Say" helps you report what people communicate—it's essential for telling stories and recounting conversations. When quoting someone directly, you use quotation marks: "She said, 'I'll call you tomorrow.'" For indirect speech, you omit the quotes: "She said she would call me tomorrow."

"My instructor says practicing pronunciation daily yields the best results" shows how this verb works with he/she/it subjects. The information following "says" represents the communicated message.

The past tense "said" works identically for all subjects (I, you, he, she, etc.)—making it remarkably straightforward to use when discussing past conversations. You'll hear this form everywhere from casual discussions to news reports.

Remember the distinction between "say" and "tell"—"say" focuses on the words themselves while "tell" emphasizes who receives the information. Compare: "He said the movie was excellent" versus "He told me the movie was excellent."

Common expressions with "say" include:

Say cheese: Request a smile for a photo
Say what's on your mind: Express your thoughts openly
Say the word: Indicate readiness to help
Say your piece: Express your opinion fully

8. Go

"Go" helps you discuss movement in numerous ways. Whether you're heading somewhere new, joining activities, or checking progress, this versatile verb proves invaluable. You'll use it daily for physical travel ("I go to school"), activities ("Let's go dancing"), and casual check-ins ("How's it going?").

"They go to language exchange meetups every Saturday" shows how smoothly this verb fits into travel conversations. Remember that with he/she/it subjects, you'll need "goes" instead.

The past form "went" might appear unusual initially, but you'll master it quickly through regular use. "Yesterday, I went to the library" follows the same pattern for all subjects—making it easier to learn.

Useful expressions with "go" that make you sound more natural include:

Go away: Leave a place
Go back: Return somewhere
Go out: Leave home for social activities
Go through: Experience something
Go with: Choose something

You'll hear "go" in phrases like "go crazy," "go the extra mile," and "go with the flow"—adding color and personality to your everyday English conversations.

9. Come

"Come" helps you discuss movement toward you or a specific location. When inviting friends over, giving directions, or describing arrivals, this handy verb creates clear communication about directional movement.

"Please come to our study group on Thursday" shows exactly how to use this verb for invitations. Notice how it naturally directs movement toward the speaker's location.

The past tense "came" follows a simple pattern: "She came to visit me yesterday." You'll hear this frequently in daily conversations about recent events.

Try these popular expressions to sound more natural:

Come across: Find unexpectedly ("I came across an interesting podcast")
Come up with: Create an idea ("He came up with a brilliant solution")
Come in: Enter ("Please come in and have a seat")
Come on: Encourage or express disbelief ("Come on, we can solve this!")

When speaking with friends, "come" often pairs with specific places: "come home," "come to class," or "come to the party." These everyday phrases instantly boost your speaking confidence without memorizing complicated rules.

10. See

"See" helps you discuss what you notice with your eyes and mind. This useful verb works for visual perception ("I see a bird"), understanding concepts ("I see your point"), and experiencing events ("We saw an amazing concert last night").

"Can you see the board from your seat?" shows how naturally this verb fits into questions about visual perception. With he/she/it subjects, remember to use "sees" instead.

The past form "saw" might look strange initially, but you'll hear it everywhere: "I saw my friend at the café yesterday." For perfect tenses, use "seen" with an auxiliary verb: "Have you seen my notebook?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

See you soon: A friendly goodbye
See what happens: Wait for results
See the light: Finally understand something
See through someone: Recognize deception
See stars: Feel dizzy after being hit

When discussing movies or events, English speakers typically say "see a movie" rather than "watch a movie"—these small distinctions help your English flow more naturally in conversations.

41. Meet

"Meet" connects people and creates wonderful first impressions in English. This friendly verb helps you introduce yourself ("Nice to meet you!"), plan social gatherings ("Let's meet after class"), and talk about fulfilling goals ("This course meets all my learning objectives").

"I enjoy meeting other English learners during language exchanges—we practice together and learn from our mistakes!" shows how naturally this verb fits into your learning adventure. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "meets"—super simple!

The past form "met" couldn't be easier: "We met through an online language forum." For perfect tenses, it stays the same: "Have you met your speaking goals this month?" You'll pick up these patterns quickly through regular chats.

Popular expressions with "meet" that make your conversations sparkle:

Meet up: Get together informally
Meet with: Have a scheduled appointment
Meet halfway: Find a compromise
Meet your match: Find an equal challenger
Meet by chance: Encounter unexpectedly

When joining a new class or study group, a warm "I'm excited to meet everyone!" instantly breaks the ice and shows your enthusiasm for learning together.

42. Include

"Include" helps you talk about putting things together in a group. You'll use this friendly verb when listing what's in a package ("The textbook includes audio files"), mentioning participants ("We included everyone in our conversation practice"), or describing what's covered in a class ("This lesson includes pronunciation tips").

"My favorite language app includes fun games that help me remember new vocabulary" shows how this verb fits perfectly into your learning toolkit. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "includes"—super simple!

The past form follows the regular pattern (included): "The teacher included speaking activities in yesterday's class." This stays consistent in perfect tenses too: "Have you included idioms in your study plan?" No tricky forms to worry about here!

Popular expressions with "include" that make your conversations pop:

Include in: Add to a larger group
Including: Mentioning examples within a set
All included: Everything is covered (often with prices)
Not included: Specifically excluded from something
To include: For the purpose of adding something

When planning study sessions with friends, a quick "Let's include some speaking practice!" sounds much more engaging than formal alternatives—helping your suggestions sound natural and inviting.

43. Change

"Change" is that fantastic verb you'll use when talking about all kinds of transformations. From switching up your study routine ("I changed my learning approach") to watching things develop ("My fluency changes every week"), this handy verb helps you describe how things shift and evolve.

"My pronunciation changed dramatically after just three weeks of speaking practice with native speakers!" shows how this connects to your language adventure. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "changes"—super easy!

The past tense keeps things simple (changed): "We changed seats so everyone could practice with different partners." This friendly pattern continues with perfect tenses too: "Have you changed your mind about learning phrasal verbs?" No tricky forms to worry about here!

Try these fun expressions to make your English pop:

Change your mind: Decide differently than before
Change the subject: Talk about something new
Change plans: Adjust what you intended to do
Change places: Switch positions with someone
Change your ways: Adopt new habits or behaviors

When chatting with friends about your progress, saying "My confidence has totally changed since I started speaking more" creates an instant picture of your growth journey.

44. Set

"Set" might be the most versatile multitasker in English—with over 100 different uses! You'll use it when arranging objects ("Let's set the table"), creating goals ("I set myself a target of learning ten new words daily"), or even talking about sunsets ("The sun sets earlier in winter").

"My instructor sets engaging challenges that help me remember tricky grammar rules" shows how this connects to your learning adventure. With he/she/it forms, just add an 's' to make "sets"—easy peasy!

The past form? It's just "set" again! "We set up a language exchange last month" uses the exact same spelling as present tense. This pattern continues with perfect tenses too: "Have you set realistic speaking goals?" Once you learn this pattern, you're all set!

Popular expressions that make your English pop:

Set up: Arrange or establish something
Set off: Begin a journey
Set out: Start with a purpose
Set apart: Make something special
Set in stone: Cannot be changed

When planning your weekly practice, try "setting aside" 15 minutes daily for speaking aloud—this small habit can transform your fluency faster than you might expect.

45. Learn

"Learn" is the heart and soul of your language adventure! This friendly verb helps you talk about picking up new skills ("I'm learning English"), mastering concepts ("She learns through practice"), and discovering cool facts ("We learned about cultural differences yesterday").

"My friend learns five new words every day and uses them in conversation" shows how this connects to real progress. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "learns"—super simple!

The past form gives you options: "learned" (American) and "learnt" (British). Both work perfectly: "I learned two phrasal verbs today" or "I learnt two phrasal verbs today." For perfect tenses, either form works: "Have you learned/learnt any tongue twisters this week?"

Fun expressions that make your English pop:

Learn by heart: Memorize completely
Learn the ropes: Get the basics down
Learn your lesson: Understand consequences
Learn the hard way: Discover through mistakes
Learn to live with: Accept something challenging

Every "aha!" moment in your language journey—from nailing tricky pronunciation to understanding jokes—starts with this wonderful verb. Small daily learning wins add up to amazing progress before you know it!

46. Understand

"Understand" connects your brain to the English language. This helpful verb shows when you're catching meaning—from grasping grammar rules ("I finally understand conditionals") to following fast conversations ("Sorry, I didn't understand that last part") to showing someone you get their feelings ("I understand why speaking feels intimidating at first").

"My tutor smiles when I understand jokes without explanation—it's the best feeling!" With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "understands"—easy peasy!

The past form "understood" has that tricky spelling but simple meaning: "We understood about half the movie without subtitles." For perfect tenses: "Have you understood the difference between 'make' and 'do' yet?" Just focus on pronouncing all three syllables clearly: un-der-stood.

Popular expressions that make your conversations flow:

Get the wrong end of the stick: Misunderstand completely
See eye to eye: Understand and agree with each other
Speak the same language: Understand each other well
Lost in translation: Failed to understand across languages
Read between the lines: Understand implied meanings

When something confuses you, don't panic! A friendly "Could you say that again?" works wonders. Everyone misunderstands sometimes—it's just part of the learning adventure.

47. Speak

"Speak" is the heart of your language adventure! This friendly verb captures all your verbal communication—from quick chats ("I speak with my language partner on Tuesdays") to showing off your skills ("She speaks Portuguese and English") to sharing thoughts ("He spoke about effective study habits").

"Many students understand more than they can speak—that's perfectly normal when learning a new language!" With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "speaks"—super simple!

The past form "spoke" has that distinctive sound: "We spoke for hours at the language café yesterday." For perfect tenses, use "spoken" with an auxiliary verb: "Have you spoken with natives yet?" You'll pick up this pattern quickly through regular practice.

Popular expressions that make your conversations pop:

Speak up: Talk louder or share your thoughts
Speak out: Express opinions boldly
Speak for yourself: Show your view is personal
Speak your mind: Say what you really think
Speak volumes: Say a lot without words

Speaking just 5 minutes daily builds more confidence than a single weekly hour-long session! These small, regular chats train your brain to respond naturally—making speaking feel less like work and more like fun.

48. Read

"Read" opens up whole new worlds in your English journey! This fun verb helps you talk about enjoying books ("I read novels"), checking messages ("She reads texts at breakfast"), or studying ("We read grammar notes before class").

"Reading just 10 minutes daily boosts your vocabulary faster than you'd believe!" With he/she/it forms, simply add an 's' to make "reads"—super easy!

The past form "read" looks exactly like the present but sounds completely different (like "red"): "I read three articles yesterday." Perfect tenses use this same spelling: "Have you read any English magazines this week?" Don't worry about the tricky pronunciation—you'll get the hang of it through practice.

Popular expressions that make your English pop:

Read between the lines: Catch hidden meanings
Read up on: Study a topic thoroughly
Read out: Say written words aloud
Read someone's mind: Guess what someone's thinking
Read the room: Understand the social atmosphere

When chatting with friends about books or articles, try asking "What are you reading lately?" instead of "Do you like reading?"—this starts more interesting conversations and gives you both a chance to practice vocabulary.

49. Watch

"Watch" is your window to the visual world in English! This fun verb connects your eyes to action—whether you're enjoying movies ("I watch documentaries to learn"), observing people ("She watches how natives use expressions"), or staying alert ("Watch where you're stepping!").

"My listening improved significantly after I started watching five-minute English videos every morning with breakfast!" With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "watches"—easy peasy!

The past form couldn't be simpler (watched): "We watched a short film in class yesterday and learned so many new phrases!" Perfect tenses follow the same friendly pattern: "Have you watched any English shows without subtitles yet?" No tricky spelling changes to worry about!

These expressions will make your conversations pop:

Watch out: Be careful (of danger)
Watch over: Protect someone
Watch for: Look for something specific
Watch your back: Be cautious of threats
Watch your tone: Be careful how you speak

When chatting with friends about TV shows, asking "What are you watching lately?" opens up wonderful opportunities for vocabulary practice while keeping the conversation flowing naturally.

50. Need

"Need" appears in almost every English conversation you'll have! This friendly verb helps you express requirements ("I need to practice speaking"), ask for help ("She needs a conversation partner"), and talk about what's important to you ("We need more coffee for our study session!").

"My instructor says most students need about 20 minutes of daily practice to see real progress" shows how this connects to your learning journey. With he/she/it forms, just add an 's' to make "needs"—super simple!

The past tense couldn't be easier (needed): "I needed extra vocabulary practice before my job interview." Perfect tenses follow this same pattern: "Have you needed to use a dictionary while watching English videos?" No tricky spelling changes to worry about!

Fun expressions that make your English sparkle:

Need a hand: Want some help
Need it yesterday: Want something urgently
Need your wits about you: Require full attention
Need no introduction: Be well-known already
Need some space: Want time alone

When chatting with friends about learning goals, saying "I need to improve my listening skills" opens doors to helpful advice and resources—much more effective than just saying "My English isn't good enough"!

15. Give

"Give" appears daily in your English conversations. It's all about transferring something from one person to another—whether it's objects, information, or even feelings. You'll use it for presents ("I gave her a language app subscription"), directions ("Can you give me directions?"), and helping others ("She gives her time to volunteer teaching").

"The instructors give feedback every week to help students improve" shows how smoothly this verb fits into educational contexts. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "gives"—simple.

The past form "gave" doesn't follow regular patterns, but you'll pick it up quickly: "My friend gave me great advice about learning methods." For perfect tenses, use "given" with an auxiliary verb: "Have you given your presentation yet?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Give up: Stop trying
Give back: Return something
Give away: Donate items
Give in: Surrender to pressure
Give out: Distribute or stop working

When requesting things in English, adding "please" before "give" instantly makes your request sound friendlier and more polite—a small change that makes a big difference in how people respond to you.

16. Use

"Use" helps you talk about how you work with tools and resources in your daily conversations. This practical verb connects your actions with objects ("I use a dictionary"), learning methods ("She uses flashcards for new vocabulary"), and even resources ("They use electricity efficiently").

"He uses his phone to translate unfamiliar words while reading" demonstrates how this verb works with he/she/it subjects. Just add that 's' and you're ready to go.

The past tense follows a regular pattern (used), making it beginner-friendly. Just note the pronunciation—the 's' sounds like 'z' and the past form rhymes with "confused." Listening to native speakers helps you catch this sound difference quickly.

Popular expressions with "use" that boost your speaking:

Use up: Finish completely
Use to: Talk about past habits
Make use of: Utilize effectively
Get used to: Become accustomed to
Put to good use: Apply practically

When discussing technology in English conversations, "use" sounds more natural than fancy alternatives—keeping your speech clear and relatable for everyday interactions.

17. Find

"Find" is your go-to verb for those discovery moments in English. Whether you're locating misplaced items ("I can't find my textbook"), making discoveries ("She found an excellent study method"), or realizing something new ("They found speaking easier after consistent practice"), this verb appears everywhere in daily conversations.

"Maria finds listening to English podcasts helps improve her vocabulary naturally" shows how smoothly this verb captures learning insights. For he/she/it forms, just add that 's' to make "finds"—super simple.

The past form "found" might look a bit unusual, but you'll pick it up quickly through use: "I found a helpful language exchange partner last week." This same form works for perfect tenses too: "Have you found any effective learning strategies yet?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Find out: Discover information
Find time: Create space in your schedule
Find yourself: Realize your situation
Find fault: Notice problems
Find common ground: Discover shared interests

When discussing language progress, you might say "I finally found my confidence in speaking!" to express that wonderful moment when your skills take a significant leap forward.

18. Tell

"Tell" is a handy verb for sharing information with others. You'll use it when recounting experiences ("Let me tell you about my trip"), being honest ("Always tell the truth"), or passing messages ("Tell him I'll be late").

"My teacher tells fascinating stories about cultural differences during our lessons" shows how this verb brings conversations to life. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "tells"—simple.

The past form "told" might look odd at first, but you'll hear it everywhere: "She told me about the language exchange program." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you told anyone about your study plans?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Tell apart: Recognize differences
Tell off: Scold someone
Tell the difference: Notice distinctions
Tell time: Read a clock
Tell a joke: Share something humorous

Remember that "tell" usually needs a person who receives the information—you tell someone something. This differs from "say," which focuses more on the words themselves. This small distinction helps your English flow more naturally in daily conversations.

19. Ask

"Ask" helps you get information and make requests—it's a verb you'll use in practically every conversation. When you're curious about something ("Can I ask her about the homework?"), need assistance ("He asked for help with his pronunciation"), or want to invite someone ("I asked my classmate to join our study group"), this friendly verb comes to your rescue.

"My language partner asks thought-provoking questions that help me improve my speaking skills" shows how naturally this verb fits into learning situations. Just add an 's' with he/she/it subjects to make "asks"—super simple.

"Ask" follows regular patterns in all its forms: asked (past) and asked (past participle). This makes it easy to use when talking about past questions: "I asked about the train schedule yesterday" or "Have you asked your instructor for feedback yet?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Ask for: Request something specific
Ask about: Inquire about a topic
Ask after: Check how someone is doing
Ask around: Check with several people
Ask out: Invite someone on a date

When making requests in English, adding "please" before or after your question instantly makes you sound friendlier—a small change that makes conversations flow much better.

20. Work

"Work" is a versatile verb you'll use constantly in English conversations. This practical verb helps you talk about your job ("I work at a restaurant"), describe effort ("She works hard on her grammar"), and check if things function ("Does this method work for beginners?").

"My classmate works for an international organization where he speaks English every day" shows how easily this verb fits into discussions about jobs. With he/she/it forms, just add an 's' to make "works"—simple.

The past tense follows a regular pattern (worked), making it beginner-friendly and consistent. You'll hear this form everywhere: "We worked together on the presentation last week" or "Have you worked in customer service before?"

Popular expressions with "work" that boost your speaking:

Work out: Exercise or find a solution
Work on: Improve something specific
Work through: Handle challenges step by step
Work up to: Build gradually toward a goal
Work against: Create obstacles

When discussing your job, phrases like "working remotely" or "working overtime" help you explain your situation clearly without complex grammar—perfect for quick, confident conversations with new acquaintances.

21. Feel

"Feel" helps you express both physical sensations and emotions in English conversations. When you touch something ("Feel how smooth this fabric is"), describe your mood ("I feel motivated about my progress"), or share opinions ("She feels that immersion helps more than formal study"), this verb connects your inner world to your words.

"Many students feel anxious when speaking with native speakers initially" shows how naturally this verb captures emotional experiences. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "feels"—simple.

The past form "felt" is short and straightforward: "I felt so proud when I understood that conversation without help!" This same form works for perfect tenses too: "Have you ever felt that breakthrough moment when everything connects?"

Popular expressions with "feel" that boost your speaking:

Feel like: Express wishes ("I feel like taking a break")
Feel up to: Have energy for something ("Do you feel up to trying this exercise?")
Feel for: Show sympathy ("I feel for you—idiomatic expressions are challenging!")
Feel out: Test a situation carefully
Feel at home: Be comfortable somewhere

When discussing emotions, English speakers typically use "feel" with simple adjectives rather than complex phrases—making your feelings instantly clear in any conversation.

22. Leave

"Leave" helps you talk about exits, departures, and forgotten items in your daily English conversations. Whether you're heading out ("I need to leave soon"), forgetting things ("I left my notebook at school"), or making lasting impressions ("That lesson left me inspired"), this handy verb appears frequently.

"My roommate leaves early on Thursdays for her conversation practice" shows how naturally this verb fits into routine descriptions. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "leaves"—easy.

The past form "left" might look strange at first, but you'll hear it constantly: "We left the language center before it started raining." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you left comments for your study partner yet?"

Try these expressions to sound more natural:

Leave alone: Stop bothering someone
Leave out: Omit something important
Leave behind: Forget or abandon something
Leave off: Pause temporarily
Leave a message: Record information for someone

When ending phone calls with friends, a quick "I've got to leave now!" sounds much friendlier than formal goodbyes—these small phrases instantly make your English sound more authentic.

23. Call

"Call" is a useful verb you'll use almost daily in your English conversations. This friendly verb helps you discuss phone conversations ("I'll call you tomorrow"), naming people or things ("We call our study group 'English Explorers'"), and visiting someone ("She called on her instructor during office hours").

"My language partner calls me twice a week so we can practice speaking together" shows how naturally this verb fits into learning routines. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "calls"—easy peasy.

The past tense follows a regular pattern (called), making it beginner-friendly: "He called to tell me about the English workshop." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you called your study partner about rescheduling?"

Popular expressions with "call" that boost your speaking:

Call off: Cancel plans
Call back: Return a phone call
Call out: Point out a mistake
Call for: Request something
Call it a day: Stop working

When chatting with new friends, saying "I'll call you" specifically means by phone, while "I'll text you" means messaging—these little details help your English sound more natural right away.

24. Keep

"Keep" is a useful verb that appears in nearly every English conversation. You'll use it when talking about continuing actions ("Let's keep practicing"), storing items ("Where do you keep your study materials?"), and maintaining situations ("Keep focused during your speaking test").

"My instructor keeps encouraging me even when I make mistakes" shows how naturally this verb fits into learning discussions. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "keeps"—super simple.

The past form "kept" might look a bit strange at first, but you'll pick it up quickly: "We kept in touch after the language course ended." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you kept notes from your previous lessons?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Keep up with: Stay current with something
Keep on: Continue an action
Keep in touch: Maintain contact
Keep an eye out: Watch for something
Keep your word: Fulfill a promise

When discussing language goals, saying "I'm keeping a daily vocabulary journal" sounds much more engaging than "I write new words every day"—these small phrases add color and personality to your conversations.

25. Let

"Let" is a permission verb that opens possibilities in your conversations. You'll use it constantly when allowing actions ("Let me try"), making friendly suggestions ("Let's meet for language practice"), or telling someone not to worry ("Let it go!").

"My language partner lets me make mistakes without correcting every single one" shows how smoothly this verb fits into learning scenarios. The good news—"let" doesn't change with he/she/it subjects! It stays exactly the same, making your speaking flow easier.

The past form is also "let"—no change at all! "The teacher let us use translation apps during the first week" follows the same simple pattern. This wonderful consistency continues with perfect tenses too: "Have you let yourself experiment with different accents?"

Popular expressions with "let" that make you sound more natural:

Let down: Disappoint someone
Let in: Allow entry
Let go: Release control
Let out: Express feelings
Let alone: Not to mention

When suggesting activities with friends, "let's" creates an instant connection—"Let's practice our English at the café" sounds warm and inviting compared to formal alternatives. This tiny word builds bridges between people in everyday conversations.

26. Begin

"Begin" helps you talk about new starts. You'll use it frequently when discussing first steps of anything—from morning routines ("I begin my day with vocabulary review") to learning journeys ("When did you begin learning English?").

"The workshop begins at 6 PM, so we should arrive early" shows how smoothly this verb fits into your plans. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "begins"—easy.

The past form "began" might look a bit unusual, but you'll hear it everywhere: "We began our conversation practice last month." For perfect tenses, use "begun" with an auxiliary verb: "Have you begun watching English news yet?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more like a native:

Begin with: Start from a specific point
Begin again: Restart something
Begin to: Start doing something gradually
Begin from scratch: Start completely new
To begin with: As a first point in a discussion

When discussing your language journey, phrases like "I'm just beginning" create instant connection—helping others adjust their speaking to match your learning stage.

27. Help

"Help" is that wonderful verb you'll use when wanting to assist others. From offering physical assistance ("Could you help me carry these books?") to providing guidance ("My tutor helps me understand complex grammar"), this friendly verb appears in conversations everywhere.

"These exercises help me remember irregular verb forms much faster" shows how smoothly this verb fits into your learning toolkit. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "helps"—super easy.

The past tense keeps things simple with the regular form "helped": "My friend helped me practice for my English interview." This pattern stays consistent in perfect tenses too: "How has your language partner helped you improve?"

Fun expressions with "help" that make your English sparkle:

Help out: Pitch in when needed
Help yourself: Take freely (often with food)
Help with: Assist with specific tasks
Can't help it: Unable to control something
So help me: Show determination

When offering assistance, a friendly "How can I help you today?" instantly creates warmth in conversations—making connections come naturally in your everyday English interactions.

28. Show

"Show" is that helpful verb you'll use when you want to make things visible to others. From quick demonstrations ("Let me show you how to form this tense") to sharing exciting discoveries ("I can't wait to show you my test results"), this friendly verb appears in conversations everywhere.

"My instructor shows me effective memory techniques during our lessons" highlights how this verb fits perfectly into learning situations. With he/she/it subjects, simply add an 's' to make "shows"—easy peasy.

The past form keeps things simple with the regular "showed": "She showed me her favorite study method yesterday." For perfect tenses, you'll hear both "shown" and "showed" with auxiliary verbs: "Have you shown your writing to anyone yet?" Native speakers tend to use "shown" more often, but both work fine.

Popular expressions with "show" that make your speaking sparkle:

Show off: Display skills to impress others
Show up: Arrive somewhere
Show around: Give a tour
Show interest: Appear curious or attentive
Show promise: Display good potential

When discussing your language journey, saying "I'll show you how much I've improved next time" creates excitement and engagement—making your conversations more dynamic and personal.

29. Hear

"Hear" is your audio-sensing verb for everyday conversations. When you catch sounds with your ears—whether it's spoken words, music notes, or distant noises—this verb helps you express exactly what's reaching your ears.

"She hears English podcasts during her commute to improve her listening skills" shows how perfectly this verb fits into learning routines. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "hears"—super simple.

The past form "heard" (pronounced like "herd") appears everywhere: "We heard about the free language workshop yesterday." For perfect tenses, the same form works smoothly: "Have you heard back from your speaking partner yet?"

Fun expressions with "hear" that make your English sparkle:

Hear about: Catch news through others
Hear from: Get messages from someone
Hear of: Know something exists
Hear out: Listen to someone's complete thoughts
Hear yourself think: Find quiet mental space

When chatting with friends, saying "I can hear the difference between various English accents now!" shows your growing language awareness—something that will definitely impress native speakers in your next conversation.

30. Play

"Play" brings joy to your English conversations. This fun verb helps you talk about games ("Let's play vocabulary games"), musical instruments ("She plays guitar beautifully"), sports ("They play soccer on Saturdays"), and even acting ("He played the main character in our English drama").

"My language exchange partner plays word association games with me to make learning more enjoyable" shows how this verb fits perfectly into learning activities. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "plays"—super simple.

The past form is wonderfully regular (played): "We played charades to practice our verbs yesterday." This pattern stays consistent in perfect tenses too: "Have you played any language learning games this week?"

Popular expressions with "play" that boost your speaking:

Play around: Experiment casually
Play along: Pretend to agree
Play it by ear: Improvise without plans
Play a part: Have specific involvement
Play fair: Be honest in competition

When meeting new friends, mentioning what you "play" creates instant connections—whether it's video games, instruments, or sports!

31. Run

"Run" is an energetic verb you'll use all the time in English. Whether you're jogging in the park ("I run every morning"), managing something ("She runs a language club"), or talking about how things operate ("This program runs smoothly"), this versatile verb keeps your conversations dynamic.

"My study group runs practice sessions every Thursday night to improve our speaking skills" shows how naturally this fits into learning situations. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "runs"—super easy.

The past form "ran" might look a bit odd, but you'll pick it up quickly: "We ran into our English teacher at the bookstore!" For perfect tenses, use "run" with an auxiliary verb: "Have you run through these practice dialogues yet?"

Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Run into: Meet by chance
Run out of: Have no more left
Run over: Review quickly
Run through: Practice something
Run late: Be behind schedule

When chatting with friends about busy days, saying "I'm running from one lesson to another" instantly creates a vivid picture of your hectic schedule—much more colorful than just saying "I'm busy"!

32. Move

"Move" brings energy and action to your everyday conversations. This verb helps you talk about changing positions ("We moved to the front row"), finding new homes ("They're moving to Australia"), and even touching emotions ("Her story really moved me").

"The instructor moves around the classroom helping each student with pronunciation" shows how this verb captures activity in learning situations. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "moves"—super simple.

The past tense is beginner-friendly and regular (moved): "We moved our study session to the quiet library." This pattern stays consistent in perfect tenses too: "Have you moved beyond basic conversations yet?" This makes it super easy to use right away.

Popular expressions with "move" that make your English pop:

Move on: Progress to something new
Move up: Advance in position
Move in: Begin living somewhere
Move forward: Make progress
Move mountains: Accomplish difficult things

When discussing your language journey, saying "I'm moving at my own pace" creates a friendly, positive tone that keeps conversations flowing naturally.

33. Live

"Live" brings richness to your English conversations with its dual pronunciations. When it rhymes with "give," you're talking about your home ("We live in Montreal"). When it rhymes with "five," you're talking about experiencing life fully ("Live your dreams!").

"My friend lives in a multicultural neighborhood where she practices different languages daily" shows how perfectly this verb captures housing situations. With he/she/it subjects, remember that 's' to make "lives"—easy.

The past tense keeps things simple (lived): "I lived with a host family when studying abroad." This friendly pattern continues with perfect tenses: "Have you lived in English-speaking countries?" No tricky forms to memorize here.

Fun expressions that make your English sparkle:

Live up to: Meet expectations
Live with: Accept something challenging
Live on: Survive using specific resources
Live for: Feel passionate about something
Live in the moment: Focus on now

When chatting about your home in English conversations, "I live in…" (for cities/countries) and "I live on…" (for streets) help you share your location naturally and confidently!

34. Hold

"Hold" is that super-handy verb you'll use frequently in your English conversations. This friendly verb helps you talk about keeping things in your hands ("Hold my notebook"), maintaining positions ("Hold still for the camera"), or even organizing events ("They hold weekly language meetups").

"My tutor holds pronunciation workshops where we practice difficult sounds together" shows how perfectly this fits into your learning journey. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "holds"—so simple.

The past form "held" might look a bit strange, but you'll pick it up quickly: "We held our breath during the oral exam!" For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you held many conversations with native speakers yet?"

Fun expressions with "hold" that make your English sparkle:

Hold on: Wait a moment
Hold up: Cause a delay
Hold back: Restrain yourself
Hold your horses: Be patient
Hold your tongue: Stay quiet

When chatting with friends about plans, saying "Let's hold off until next week" sounds much more natural than formal alternatives—these small phrases help your English flow smoothly in everyday situations.

35. Bring

"Bring" is your go-to verb for moving things toward a specific location. This friendly verb appears whenever you're carrying items to a place ("Bring your textbook tomorrow"), inviting friends to events ("Can I bring my roommate to the language exchange?"), or talking about results ("Practice brings fluency").

"My language partner brings interesting articles to discuss during our weekly meetings" shows how this verb adds value to learning experiences. With he/she/it subjects, add that 's' to make "brings"—easy peasy.

The past form "brought" might look odd at first, but you'll hear it everywhere: "She brought flashcards to our study session yesterday." This same form works for perfect tenses too: "Have you brought up grammar questions with your instructor yet?"

Popular expressions that'll make your English sparkle:

Bring out: Highlight good qualities
Bring in: Introduce something new
Bring on: Cause something to happen
Bring down: Reduce something
Bring to life: Make something exciting or real

When chatting with study buddies, a quick "What should I bring to our session?" sounds much friendlier than formal alternatives—these natural phrases help your conversations flow smoothly from day one.

36. Write

"Write" helps you capture your thoughts on paper and share them with the world. This friendly verb connects your ideas to written words—whether you're sending messages ("I write to my pen pals in English"), creating stories ("She writes blog posts about her language journey"), or taking notes ("They write down new vocabulary after class").

"My language partner writes helpful feedback to improve my grammar" shows how this verb brings learning to life. With he/she/it, add that 's' to make "writes"—simple.

The past form "wrote" appears everywhere in conversations: "We wrote practice dialogues together." For perfect tenses, use "written" with an auxiliary verb: "Have you written in your English journal today?" You'll pick up these forms quickly through regular practice.

Popular expressions with "write" that make your English sparkle:

Write down: Record information quickly
Write up: Create a formal document
Write out: Express completely
Write off: Consider as a loss
Write back: Reply to someone's message

Even just 5 minutes of writing practice daily can boost your confidence enormously. Start with simple topics like your daily routine or weekend plans, then gradually challenge yourself with more complex ideas as your skills grow.

37. Sit

"Sit" helps you talk about taking a seat and positioning yourself comfortably. This friendly verb appears everywhere—from classroom instructions ("Sit beside your conversation partner") to casual invitations ("Come sit with us!").

"Many students find they concentrate better when they sit in a quiet environment for their language practice" shows how this verb connects to your learning journey. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "sits"—super simple.

The past form "sat" is short and sweet: "We sat at the café and practiced our conversation skills." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you sat through an entire lecture in English yet?" You'll pick up these patterns quickly through regular use.

Popular expressions with "sit" that make your English sparkle:

Sit down: Take a seat
Sit up: Straighten your posture
Sit through: Endure something boring
Sit in: Attend as an observer
Sit tight: Wait patiently

When meeting new classmates, saying "Can I sit here?" is one of the first phrases you'll use. Master this verb early, and you'll handle everyday social situations with confidence and ease.

38. Stand

"Stand" is a helpful verb for talking about being on your feet. You'll use it when someone's waiting in position ("I'll stand here"), sharing firm opinions ("She stands by her learning method"), or describing where buildings are located ("The language school stands next to the library").

"Many language learners feel nervous when they stand up to give their first presentation in English" shows how this connects to your speaking practice. With he/she/it, just add an 's' to make "stands"—super easy.

The past form "stood" is short and sweet: "We stood outside chatting in English for an hour!" For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you stood in front of a group while speaking English yet?" You'll pick up these patterns quickly through regular use.

Fun expressions with "stand" that make your conversations pop:

Stand up for: Defend someone
Stand in line: Queue for something
Stand a chance: Have a possibility of success
Stand corrected: Admit being wrong
Stand your ground: Maintain your position

When joining conversation groups, don't worry if the leader says "Please stand and introduce yourself"—this common practice helps you connect with others while building speaking confidence.

39. Lose

"Lose" helps you talk about things that slip away. From misplaced items ("I keep losing my vocabulary notebook") to competition results ("They lost the debate") to missed opportunities ("Don't lose your chance to practice"), this handy verb appears in conversations everywhere.

"Students sometimes lose motivation when progress seems slow, but small wins help rebuild confidence" shows how this connects to your language journey. With he/she/it subjects, add that 's' to make "loses"—super easy.

The past form "lost" is short and sweet: "I lost my way to the language meetup yesterday." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you lost count of how many English words you know?" You'll pick up these patterns quickly through regular use.

Watch for the spelling difference between "lose" (verb) and "loose" (adjective meaning not tight)—they sound different too! Try these everyday expressions to sound more natural:

Lose track: Forget about something temporarily
Lose touch: Stop communicating with someone
Lose your mind: Become very excited or upset
Lose sleep: Worry about something
Lose yourself: Become completely absorbed in an activity

40. Pay

"Pay" is your go-to verb for talking about money exchanges and giving attention. You'll use it when handling finances ("I need to pay for my English course"), focusing on lessons ("Pay attention to how natives pronounce this"), or facing consequences ("You'll pay for that mistake later").

"My tutor explained that I don't need to pay extra for learning materials—they're included in my package" shows how this verb connects to your language learning journey. With he/she/it subjects, add that 's' to make "pays"—super simple.

The past form "paid" might look a bit strange (not "payed"), but you'll hear it everywhere: "We paid for coffee and practiced English with the barista." For perfect tenses, the form stays the same: "Have you paid for your upcoming proficiency test yet?"

Try these fun expressions to sound more natural:

Pay off: Bring good results or finish a debt
Pay back: Return borrowed money
Pay attention: Focus carefully
Pay a visit: Go see someone
Pay your way: Cover your own expenses

When chatting about prices in cafés or shops, remember that amounts typically come before the item: "I paid $30 for my grammar book" rather than putting the price at the end. This tiny detail makes your English sound instantly more authentic." or "team"—American English treats them as singular ("My family is visiting"), while British English sometimes uses plural ("My family are visiting").

Effective Learning Strategies for Verbs

Focused Learning vs. Mass Acquisition

When building your verb vocabulary, quality trumps quantity. Focus on 5-7 new verbs each week—giving each one proper attention rather than rushing through extensive lists. Your brain needs time to properly store and connect these new words.

Start with the first 20 verbs from our list—they cover approximately 80% of what you'll need in everyday conversations. Once you're comfortable using these in different tenses, gradually add more each week. Remember: using 20 verbs correctly creates a much better impression than knowing 100 verbs but mixing them up.

A focused 15-minute daily practice session proves more effective than cramming for hours once a week. Your brain builds stronger connections when you review regularly—small, consistent steps lead to significant progress.

Context vs. Rote Memorization

Context wins every time when learning verbs! Your brain retains words much better when they're embedded in meaningful sentences or conversations. Consider how children acquire language—they learn through hearing it used naturally, not by studying isolated vocabulary lists.

Try this approach: learn the basic verb forms (especially irregular ones), then immediately use them in authentic situations. Describe your yesterday, explain your weekend plans, or practice with a language partner. Learners who practice verbs this way remember nearly twice as many after a few months compared to those who only use flashcards.

Here's a simple technique: select a "verb of the day," use it in at least five different sentences, record it in your journal, and teach it to someone else. This helps cement it in your memory much faster.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

These core verbs work in all situations—from job interviews to texting friends. What changes is how you combine them with other words.

For formal settings, pair these verbs with more precise vocabulary: "I would like to inquire about..." instead of "I want to know about..." In professional or academic contexts, use them with field-specific terms appropriate to the situation.

In casual conversations, these same verbs often appear in contractions (don't, I'm, we've) and phrasal forms (hang out, pick up, show up). That's the beauty of mastering these foundational verbs—they adapt to any communication context.

Additional 10 Important Verbs for Advanced Beginners

As you progress in your English learning journey, expanding your verb vocabulary will help you express more complex ideas. Here are ten additional verbs that will boost your communication skills:

51. Try

"Try" helps you discuss attempts and efforts in your English conversations. When you're making an effort ("I try to practice daily"), testing something new ("Let's try this learning method"), or attempting challenges ("She tried to understand the native speaker"), this versatile verb captures your initiatives.

"Students who try different learning techniques usually find what works best for them" shows how this verb connects to language learning. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "tries"—simple!

The past form "tried" follows a straightforward pattern: "We tried speaking without a script yesterday." For perfect tenses: "Have you tried listening to podcasts for improving comprehension?" The consistent spelling makes this verb beginner-friendly.

Popular expressions with "try" that enhance your conversations:

Try out: Test something new
Try on: Test clothes by wearing them
Try your hand at: Attempt a new skill
Try your luck: Make an attempt with uncertain outcome
Try your best: Make maximum effort

When facing language challenges, remember that "trying" is more important than perfection. A simple "I'll try my best" shows your dedication to improvement!

52. Follow

"Follow" helps you talk about movement, sequence, and adherence in your English conversations. You'll use this versatile verb when discussing physical movement ("Follow me to the classroom"), understanding instructions ("I follow the teacher's advice"), or keeping up with content ("She follows several English learning blogs").

"My progress improved dramatically when I started following a consistent study schedule" demonstrates how this verb applies to learning strategies. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "follows"—easy!

The past tense is wonderfully regular (followed): "We followed the conversation despite the fast pace." Perfect tenses maintain this pattern: "Have you followed up with your language partner after the meeting?" This consistency makes it easy to master quickly.

Try these expressions to sound more natural:

Follow up: Continue after a previous action
Follow through: Complete something as promised
Follow along: Participate in an ongoing activity
Follow suit: Do the same as someone else
Follow in someone's footsteps: Imitate someone's path

When navigating learning resources, saying "I'm following this course" indicates your ongoing commitment—a simple yet effective way to describe your current educational journey.

53. Start

"Start" helps you discuss beginnings and initiations in English. This practical verb helps you talk about commencing activities ("I start my day with vocabulary review"), launching projects ("She started a language exchange group"), or initiating processes ("The class starts at 6 PM").

"Most successful learners start with simple conversations before attempting complex topics" shows how this connects to language learning strategies. With he/she/it, add an 's' to make "starts"—simple!

The past form follows regular patterns (started): "We started practicing pronunciation last month." Perfect tenses maintain this consistency: "Have you started reading English books yet?" This regularity makes it beginner-friendly.

Useful expressions with "start" that enhance your speaking:

Start off: Begin in a particular way
Start over: Begin again from the beginning
Start up: Begin operating (often for businesses)
Start out: Begin a journey or process
Start with: Begin using a particular thing first

When discussing your language journey with others, phrases like "I started learning English six months ago" help establish your experience level and create opportunities for meaningful exchanges.

54. Stop

"Stop" helps you talk about endings, pauses, and prevention in everyday English. You'll use this versatile verb when discussing terminating actions ("I stopped translating everything"), taking breaks ("Let's stop for lunch"), or preventing events ("The rain stopped our outdoor practice").

"Effective learners never stop asking questions when they don't understand something" demonstrates how this verb relates to learning mindsets. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "stops"—straightforward!

The past tense follows regular patterns (stopped): "We stopped making that grammar mistake after focused practice." Perfect tenses maintain this consistency: "Have you stopped using your native language during English lessons?" This predictability makes it easy to master.

Try these expressions to sound more natural:

Stop by: Visit briefly
Stop over: Visit briefly during a journey
Stop out: Stay out late
Stop up: Block something
Stop short: Halt suddenly

When managing study sessions, phrases like "Let's stop here for today" help create healthy boundaries and prevent burnout—an important skill for sustainable language learning.

55. Put

"Put" is an extremely versatile positioning verb in English. This practical verb helps you discuss placement ("Put your books on the desk"), expressing ideas ("She puts her thoughts into writing"), or investing effort ("They put a lot of work into their pronunciation").

"Students who put theory into practice learn more effectively than those who only memorize rules" shows how this verb connects to learning approaches. With he/she/it subjects, just add an 's' to make "puts"—simple!

The past form "put" remains unchanged: "We put our new vocabulary into sentences yesterday." Perfect tenses also use "put": "Have you put your language skills to use in real conversations?" This consistency makes it easier than many irregular verbs.

Popular expressions with "put" that enhance your speaking:

Put away: Store something
Put off: Postpone something
Put up with: Tolerate something
Put together: Assemble or organize
Put down: Place something on a surface or criticize

When organizing study materials, phrases like "I put my flashcards in categories" describe your learning system effectively—a simple yet precise way to explain your methodology.

56. Send

"Send" helps you discuss transmission and communication in English. This practical verb helps you talk about transmitting messages ("I send emails to my pen pals"), delivering items ("She sends me learning materials"), or transferring information ("The teacher sends feedback after each assignment").

"Regular practice sends clear signals to your brain about what information to prioritize" demonstrates how this verb extends beyond literal meanings. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "sends"—straightforward!

The past form "sent" is short but irregular: "We sent our writing samples to the instructor yesterday." Perfect tenses use this same form: "Have you sent your application to the language program yet?" You'll quickly master this pattern through regular use.

Try these expressions to sound more natural:

Send for: Request something be delivered
Send off: Mail something
Send out: Distribute widely
Send up: Parody or satirize something
Send in: Submit officially

When coordinating with language partners, phrases like "I'll send you the conversation topics in advance" demonstrate organization and consideration—valuable qualities in collaborative learning environments.

57. Become

"Become" helps you talk about transformation and development in English. This dynamic verb helps you discuss changes in state ("I became more confident"), progression ("She becomes better with practice"), or transitions ("They became fluent after living abroad").

"With consistent practice, beginners become intermediate speakers much faster than those who study sporadically" shows how this verb connects to language learning progression. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "becomes"—simple!

The past form "became" might look unusual, but follows a pattern you'll recognize from similar verbs: "We became friends through our language exchange." Perfect tenses use "become" with auxiliary verbs: "Have you become comfortable with public speaking yet?" This pattern becomes natural with practice.

Common expressions with "become" that enhance your speaking:

Become aware of: Start to notice something
Become accustomed to: Get used to something
Become involved in: Start participating in something
Become known as: Develop a reputation as something
Become oneself again: Return to normal behavior

When reflecting on your progress, phrases like "I've become much more confident in my speaking abilities" effectively communicate your growth journey—a positive way to acknowledge your development.

58. Hear

"Hear" helps you discuss auditory perception in English. This sensory verb helps you talk about sounds reaching your ears ("I hear birds singing"), receiving information ("She heard about the language meetup"), or being told something ("They heard the pronunciation correctly").

"Students often need to hear new words many times before remembering them" demonstrates how this verb connects to language acquisition. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "hears"—straightforward!

The past form "heard" (pronounced like "herd") might look unusual but is used consistently: "We heard the native speaker's accent clearly." Perfect tenses use this same form: "Have you heard about the new language learning app?" Focus on the pronunciation difference between "hear" and "heard" to master this pattern.

Try these expressions to sound more natural:

Hear from: Receive communication from someone
Hear of: Know about something by reputation
Hear out: Listen to someone's complete thoughts
Hear about: Receive information about something
Hear yourself think: Have enough quiet to concentrate

When discussing listening skills, phrases like "I can now hear the difference between similar sounds" demonstrates increased phonological awareness—an important marker of pronunciation development.

59. Teach

"Teach" helps you discuss knowledge transfer in English. This educational verb helps you talk about imparting skills ("I teach English online"), sharing information ("She teaches pronunciation techniques"), or demonstrating methods ("They teach through immersion").

"The best language partners teach you authentic expressions you won't find in textbooks" shows how this verb relates to informal learning. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "teaches"—simple!

The past form "taught" might look unusual, but follows patterns similar to other irregular verbs: "We taught ourselves through language apps initially." Perfect tenses use this same form: "Have you taught anyone else what you've learned?" This pattern becomes familiar with regular use.

Popular expressions with "teach" that enhance your speaking:

Teach a lesson: Instruct or punish someone
Teach yourself: Learn without formal instruction
Teach by example: Demonstrate rather than explain
Teach the ropes: Show someone how to do something
Teach someone a thing or two: Provide unexpected knowledge

When discussing learning strategies, phrases like "Immersion teaches you faster than memorization" effectively communicate pedagogical perspectives—useful for discussing educational approaches with others.

60. Become

"Build" helps you discuss construction and development in English. This creative verb helps you talk about creating things ("I build vocabulary lists"), developing skills ("She builds fluency through practice"), or establishing foundations ("They built a strong grammatical understanding").

"Consistent daily practice builds language skills more effectively than cramming" demonstrates how this verb connects to learning methodology. With he/she/it subjects, add an 's' to make "builds"—straightforward!

The past form "built" might look unusual, but is used consistently: "We built our confidence through regular speaking practice." Perfect tenses use this same form: "Have you built relationships with native speakers yet?" This pattern becomes natural with regular use.

Try these expressions to sound more natural:

Build up: Develop gradually
Build on: Develop using previous work as a foundation
Build in: Include as an integral part
Build bridges: Create connections between people or ideas
Build rapport: Develop a harmonious relationship

When discussing language learning strategies, phrases like "I'm building my vocabulary through thematic categories" effectively communicate systematic approaches to improvement—demonstrating both organization and intentionality in your learning journey.

Additional Resources for Verb Mastery

Digital Tools for Verb Practice

Modern language learning benefits tremendously from technology. Several excellent digital tools specifically target verb mastery:

Conjugation apps: Applications like Conjuguemos or Anki offer customizable flashcards focusing specifically on verb forms and usage patterns.
Grammar checkers: Tools such as Grammarly highlight verb errors in your writing, providing immediate feedback on subject-verb agreement and tense consistency.
Interactive exercises: Websites including Duolingo and Quizlet feature gamified activities specifically targeting verb usage in context.
Language exchange platforms: Apps like Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native speakers for authentic conversation practice—the ultimate way to reinforce verb usage in real situations.

These digital resources complement traditional learning methods and provide opportunities for deliberate practice outside formal instruction.

Creating a Verb Journal

Maintaining a dedicated verb journal accelerates your mastery of English verbs. This simple yet powerful technique involves:

Recording new verbs: When you encounter an unfamiliar verb, note it with its different forms (present, past, participle).
Writing example sentences: Create 3-5 original sentences using the verb in different contexts and tenses.
Adding collocations: Note words that commonly appear with each verb (e.g., "make progress," "take a chance").
Tracking phrasal forms: List phrasal verbs derived from each base verb (e.g., "look" → "look up," "look into," "look forward to").
Regular review: Revisit your journal weekly, testing yourself on previously recorded verbs.

This systematic approach creates a personalized resource tailored to your learning needs while reinforcing verb patterns through active engagement.

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During the lesson, Kylian uses role-plays, real-life examples, and adapts to your learning style. Didn’t understand something? No problem—you can pause Kylian anytime to ask for clarification, without fear of being judged.

Ask all the questions you want, repeat sections if needed, and customize your learning experience in ways traditional teachers and generic apps simply can’t match.

With 24/7 access at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, Kylian removes all the barriers that have kept you from mastering the language you’ve always wanted to learn.

Take your free lesson with Kylian today.