100+ Common Action Verbs in English

Learning English can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to mastering vocabulary. Among the most essential words in any language are action verbs, which express what we do in our daily lives. Whether you are writing, speaking, or simply trying to understand the language better, knowing common action verbs can significantly enhance your communication skills. This guide will introduce you to over 100 frequently used action verbs in English, complete with their meanings and examples. By familiarizing yourself with these verbs, you’ll be better equipped to express yourself clearly and effectively in various situations. Let’s dive in and explore the dynamic world of action verbs!

Common Action Verbs in English

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No. English Meaning Meaning
1 take out remove something from a place
2 get out escape or leave a place
3 put on wear something (clothes, accessories)
4 take off remove something (clothes, accessories)
5 give up stop trying to do something
6 break down stop functioning; collapse
7 carry on continue doing something
8 come back return to a place
9 go out leave home to go somewhere
10 turn on activate a device (light, appliance)
11 turn off deactivate a device (light, appliance)
12 look for search for something
13 find out discover information
14 run away flee from a place or situation
15 sit down take a seat
16 stand up rise to a standing position
17 wake up stop sleeping
18 fall asleep begin to sleep
19 check in register upon arrival (e.g., at a hotel)
20 check out leave a place after paying (e.g., a hotel)
21 give in surrender or yield to an opponent
22 hold on wait or grip tightly
23 look after take care of someone or something
24 take care of be responsible for someone or something
25 make up invent a story or reconcile with someone
26 come in enter a place
27 go back return to a previous place
28 get in enter a vehicle or building
29 get out of escape from a situation
30 run into meet someone unexpectedly
31 take over assume control or responsibility
32 break up end a relationship or partnership
33 hang out spend time relaxing with someone
34 pay back return money owed to someone
35 set up arrange or establish something
36 call back return a phone call
37 show up arrive at a place
38 turn up appear or arrive unexpectedly
39 pick up lift something or someone
40 put away store something in its proper place
41 fill out complete a form or document
42 drop off take someone or something to a destination
43 move on progress to a new situation or stage
44 go ahead proceed with an action
45 look out be cautious or watch for danger
46 come up arise or be mentioned
47 step down resign from a position
48 hold back restrain or keep something from happening
49 take away remove something from a place
50 bring back return something to a place
51 check up verify or inspect something
52 clean up tidy or remove dirt from a place
53 set off start a journey or trip
54 sign up enroll or register for something
55 talk back respond defiantly or disrespectfully
56 send out distribute or dispatch something
57 work out exercise or solve a problem
58 figure out understand or solve something
59 back up make a copy of data or support someone
60 dress up wear formal or special clothes
61 step up increase effort or take action
62 turn down reject an offer or request
63 hold up delay or rob someone
64 get along have a friendly relationship
65 carry out perform or complete a task
66 let down disappoint someone
67 speak up talk louder or express an opinion
68 make out understand or discern something
69 run out deplete a supply
70 take in absorb or understand information
71 sum up summarize or conclude
72 give out distribute or provide something
73 follow up check on or continue a previous action
74 look forward to anticipate something with pleasure
75 turn back return to a previous position
76 check off mark something as completed
77 move in take residence in a new place
78 set aside reserve or save something for later
79 pay off repay a debt completely
80 go through experience or examine something
81 try out test something to see if it works
82 put off delay or postpone something
83 pull over stop a vehicle at the side of the road
84 take down remove something from a higher place
85 work on dedicate effort to a task or project
86 come down descend or decrease
87 call off cancel an event or arrangement
88 get back return to a place or recover something
89 let in allow someone or something to enter
90 step aside move out of the way
91 give away donate or reveal something
92 catch up reach someone after a delay
93 bring up introduce a topic or mention something
94 look up search for information
95 take up begin to engage in a new activity
96 pay for provide money in exchange for something
97 turn around change direction or position
98 check in on visit or inquire about someone
99 sign off conclude or approve something
100 keep up maintain the same pace or level