25 Most Common English Verbs Every Intermediate Learner Must Know | My Language Classes

Infographic of 25 most common English verbs every intermediate learner must know, showing examples with become, begin, build, and choose.

25 Most Common English Verbs Every Intermediate Learner Must Know

Mastering verbs is essential if you want to take your English from basic to fluent. Beginners usually start with foundational verbs such as be, have, and do. However, as you move to the next stage, you need to expand your vocabulary and practice a wider range of verbs. That’s why we’ve created this guide on the 25 most common English verbs every intermediate learner must know.

These verbs appear constantly in daily conversations, professional communication, academic texts, and even entertainment. By learning how to use them correctly, you can express yourself more naturally, add variety to your sentences, and avoid repetition.

In this article, we will cover the meanings, common uses, and examples of each verb. You’ll also find tips on how to integrate them into your daily English practice. Whether your goal is speaking fluently, writing with confidence, or understanding native speakers better, these verbs will help you achieve it.


Why learn 25 Most Common English Verbs Every Intermediate Learner Must Know?

At the beginner level, most learners rely heavily on simple verbs such as go, eat, see, and say. While these are important, intermediate learners must go beyond them. Expanding your verb knowledge will:

  • Help you communicate more precisely.
  • Make your sentences sound richer and more natural.
  • Improve your listening comprehension.
  • Prepare you for advanced grammar structures and idiomatic expressions.

Moreover, many of these verbs have multiple meanings depending on context. That’s why practicing them in real-life sentences is vital.


1. Become

“Become” is one of the most common verbs used to describe change or transformation.

  • She became interested in photography last year.
  • This street becomes very crowded in the evening.

2. Begin

To “begin” means to start something, and it is often used in formal or academic contexts.

  • The concert begins at 7 p.m. sharp.
  • Let’s begin by reviewing yesterday’s lesson.

3. Build

“Build” is useful for both literal and figurative expressions.

  • They are building a new library near the park.
  • Good habits build strong character.

4. Choose

This verb helps you express decisions or preferences.

  • You must choose between these two options.
  • She chose the red dress for the party.

5. Continue

“Continue” shows persistence or ongoing action.

  • He continued working despite the difficulties.
  • Please continue reading until the end of the chapter.

6. Decide

Intermediate learners often need this verb to express choices.

  • We decided to travel by train.
  • She decided not to join the club.

7. Develop

This verb is common in academic, professional, and casual settings.

  • Children develop language skills quickly.
  • The company is developing new technology.

8. Explain

You can use “explain” when giving details or clarifying meaning.

  • Could you explain the rules again?
  • He explained how the system works.

9. Feel

At the intermediate level, learners use “feel” not only for emotions but also for physical sensations.

  • I feel tired after the long walk.
  • She feels confident about her presentation.

10. Improve

“Improve” is crucial when talking about progress.

  • Her English has improved a lot this year.
  • We need to improve our time management.

11. Keep

“Keep” is highly flexible, appearing in many phrases.

  • Keep the door closed, please.
  • He keeps his promises.

12. Learn

This verb is central to education and personal growth.

  • She is learning how to drive.
  • We learn something new every day.

13. Leave

“Leave” can mean to depart or to let something remain.

  • He left the keys on the table.
  • They leave for Paris tomorrow morning.

14. Move

“Move” is common in physical, emotional, and metaphorical contexts.

  • We moved to a new apartment last month.
  • The speech moved the audience to tears.

15. Offer

At this level, “offer” helps you express suggestions or proposals.

  • The shop offers free delivery.
  • He offered to help me with the project.

16. Play

While “play” is basic, intermediate learners must know its extended uses.

  • The children are playing outside.
  • She plays the guitar beautifully.

17. Provide

“Provide” is formal and often used in professional or academic writing.

  • The hotel provides breakfast for its guests.
  • Education provides opportunities for the future.

18. Reach

This verb is versatile, showing both physical and figurative meaning.

  • We reached the top of the mountain.
  • He finally reached his goal.

19. Remember

“Remember” is essential for recalling information or experiences.

  • I remember meeting her last year.
  • Please remember to lock the door.

20. Return

“Return” is often used in formal situations or storytelling.

  • She returned the book to the library.
  • They returned home after a long trip.

21. Show

Intermediate learners use “show” for both actions and explanations.

  • Can you show me the way to the station?
  • The results show significant progress.

22. Spend

This verb is critical for discussing time and money.

  • We spent the weekend at the beach.
  • He spends too much money on clothes.

23. Study

Although common, “study” becomes more detailed at this stage.

  • She studies biology at university.
  • I study every evening before exams.

24. Understand

“Understand” allows you to express comprehension clearly.

  • I understand the instructions.
  • Do you understand what he meant?

25. Work

Finally, “work” is indispensable in all contexts.

  • He works as a teacher.
  • They are working on a new project.

Tips to Practice These Verbs

Learning the verbs is only the first step. To master them, you need to practice actively. Here are some strategies that work well for intermediate learners:

  • Create flashcards with the 25 Most Common English Verbs Every Intermediate Learner Must Know, and example sentences.
  • Write short paragraphs using at least three verbs from the list each day.
  • Record yourself speaking to practice pronunciation and fluency.
  • Watch English shows or news and note how often these verbs appear.
  • Engage in conversations where you naturally use these verbs.

Expanding Your English Beyond Basic Verbs

By mastering the 25 most common English verbs every intermediate learner must know, you take a huge step forward in your language journey. These verbs go beyond basic survival English and open doors to deeper conversations, academic success, and professional growth.

The key is consistent practice. Use them in writing, in conversations with friends, and while listening to English media. Every time you apply these verbs, you’ll notice your confidence growing.

Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. These verbs are your building blocks to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let English become a natural part of your daily life.

👉25 Most Common English Verbs Every Beginner Must Know | My Language Classes

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Vikas Kumar is a dedicated language educator, content creator, and digital entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of My Language Classes and The Curious Mind. With a strong focus on helping learners achieve fluency in English, Spanish, and Japanese, he has guided audiences worldwide through a diverse range of resources, including in-depth blog articles, engaging YouTube tutorials, and comprehensive Books.

Through My Language Classes, Vikas has built a thriving multilingual learning platform that serves students, travelers, and professionals eager to master communication skills for personal, academic, and professional success. His expertise extends to exam preparation for internationally recognized certifications such as JLPT, DELE, IELTS, and TOEFL, enabling learners to achieve tangible, career-enhancing results.

As the founder of The Curious Mind, he also explores broader areas of knowledge, including self-help, motivation, modern learning strategies, and thought-provoking insights on life and personal growth. His work blends practical teaching methods with a deep understanding of learner psychology, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

Driven by a mission to make high-quality education accessible to all, Vikas continues to expand his reach across multiple platforms, including YouTube, blogs, eBooks, and social media communities, inspiring thousands to learn, grow, and embrace lifelong learning.

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