The 10 Most Common English Verbs (A1) (Part 1)
A verb is a word that tells us what a person or thing does (eat, go, or work). It can also tell us how someone feels or how they think (like, know, or want).
Every sentence in English needs a verb. Without a verb, a sentence is not complete.
In English, verbs sometimes change their ending.
With he, she, and it, we usually add -s to the verb. For example: I work → He works, They live → She lives, We eat → It eats. This is called the 3rd person singular.
I make. We make.
You make. They make.
But: He/She/It makes.
Tip: Here you can quickly learn the rules of adding -s to verbs in 3rd person singular! (gets, misses, flies)
Exception!
The verb 'be' has more forms (am, are, is):
I am...
You are...
He/She/It is...
We are...
They are...
Some verbs are very common, it means we use them every day when we speak or write.
Here's a list of the 10 most common verbs in English, along with their meanings and example sentences:
be (am, are, is)
Meaning: To exist or have a specific quality
Examples:
- I am happy today.
- They are at the park.
have (has)
Meaning: To possess or own something
Examples:
- I have a red car.
- She has two cats.
do (does)
Meaning: To perform an action
Examples:
- I do exercise every day.
- Can you do this for me?
say (says)
Meaning: To speak or express in words
Examples:
- He says hello to everyone.
- Can you say that again, please?
go (goes)
Meaning: To move or travel to a place
Examples:
- We go to the store/shop every week.
- I want to go home now.
get (gets)
Meaning: To obtain or receive something
Examples:
- I get flowers every week.
- Can you get two tickets to the concert?
make (makes)
Meaning: To create or produce something
Examples:
- I make tea every day.
- Let's make dinner together.
know (knows)
Meaning: To have information or be aware of something
Examples:
- I know how to ride a bike.
- Do you know where the station is?
take (takes)
Meaning: To grab or move something with you
Examples:
- I take my sandwich with me.
- Please take this book to the library.
see (sees)
Meaning: To perceive with the eyes or understand
Examples:
- I see a bird in the tree.
- Can you see the mountains?
Master these verbs and start forming your own sentences!
Remember to add an -s in 3rd person singular (he/she/it or Tim/Laura/the dog/this house...etc) !
Are you ready for more?
Learn 10 More Essential English Verbs for beginners
Further reading suggestions for you:
- English Question Words (What? When? Why?...)
- Daily Routine and Action Phrasal Verbs (A1/A2)
- 10 Most Common English Nouns
- Everyday English Social Expressions for A1 Conversations
or
Continue to the Beginner Level English Resources for more topics and tips