This list brings together 100 verbs, running alphabetically from “identify” to “itch”. Most of them describe everyday actions you’ll recognize from conversation, news, science, and business writing, and a few carry a more formal or technical edge. You’ll find verbs for physical actions like “inject” and “inhale,” mental processes like “imagine” and “infer,” and social actions like “invite” and “interview,” making this a useful reference for writing, studying, or simply expanding your vocabulary.

Verbs are words that express an action, occurrence, or state of being, and they form the core of every sentence in English. Many verbs on this list, such as “insure” and “invest,” come from Latin roots that entered English through French during the medieval period, which is why so many words starting with “in-” carry a sense of movement into or onto something. Others, like “itch” and “idle,” are simpler, older words tied to everyday sensations and states.

Below you’ll find the table with Word, Tense Forms, Definition, Example Usage, and Description.

Word: the verb itself, shown in its base form so you can quickly scan the list and find the exact word you’re looking for.

Tense Forms: the base, past, and past participle forms shown together, helping you use the verb correctly in different tenses without guesswork.

Definition: a short, clear explanation of what the verb means, giving you the core sense of the word at a glance.

Example Usage: a natural sentence showing the verb in context, so you can see how it fits into everyday speech or writing.

Description: extra background on how and where the verb is typically used, including any related words or common contexts worth knowing.

Verbs

WordTense FormsDefinitionExample Usage
identifyidentify / identified / identifiedTo recognize or establish who or what someone or something isShe could identify the bird by its call.
idleidle / idled / idledTo spend time doing nothing; to run without being in gearThe car idled in the driveway for ten minutes.
igniteignite / ignited / ignitedTo set something on fire or start burningA spark from the wire ignited the dry grass.
ignoreignore / ignored / ignoredTo deliberately pay no attention to somethingHe ignored the ringing phone and kept working.
illuminateilluminate / illuminated / illuminatedTo light something up or make it clearCandles illuminated the small chapel.
illustrateillustrate / illustrated / illustratedTo explain or show something using examples, pictures, or diagramsThe teacher illustrated the concept with a simple diagram.
imagineimagine / imagined / imaginedTo form a mental picture of something not presentImagine a world without plastic waste.
imitateimitate / imitated / imitatedTo copy the behavior, appearance, or actions of someone elseThe parrot could imitate human speech.
immerseimmerse / immersed / immersedTo involve deeply in an activity or submerge in liquidShe immersed herself in French culture during the trip.
immigrateimmigrate / immigrated / immigratedTo move permanently to a foreign country to liveHis grandparents immigrated to Canada in the 1950s.
immunizeimmunize / immunized / immunizedTo protect someone from disease through vaccinationThe clinic immunized hundreds of children against measles.
impactimpact / impacted / impactedTo have a strong effect on something or someoneThe new policy will impact small businesses.
impairimpair / impaired / impairedTo weaken or damage the function of somethingAlcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.
impedeimpede / impeded / impededTo slow down or block progressHeavy traffic impeded their journey to the airport.
implantimplant / implanted / implantedTo insert or fix something firmly, often surgicallyDoctors implanted a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat.
implementimplement / implemented / implementedTo put a plan or decision into effectThe school implemented a new grading system this year.
imploreimplore / implored / imploredTo beg someone earnestly to do somethingShe implored him to reconsider his decision.
implyimply / implied / impliedTo suggest something indirectly without stating it outrightHis silence seemed to imply agreement.
importimport / imported / importedTo bring goods or services into a country from abroadThe country imports most of its oil.
imposeimpose / imposed / imposedTo force something upon someone, such as a rule or taxThe government imposed new tariffs on steel.
impressimpress / impressed / impressedTo make someone feel admiration or respectHer performance impressed the entire audience.
imprisonimprison / imprisoned / imprisonedTo put someone in prison or confine themThe dictator imprisoned his political opponents.
improveimprove / improved / improvedTo make or become betterRegular practice will improve your writing skills.
improviseimprovise / improvised / improvisedTo create or perform something without preparationThe actors improvised the entire scene.
inaugurateinaugurate / inaugurated / inauguratedTo formally introduce a new leader or officially open somethingThe mayor was inaugurated in a public ceremony.
incinerateincinerate / incinerated / incineratedTo burn something completely to ashesThe factory incinerates waste at high temperatures.
inciteincite / incited / incitedTo provoke or stir up strong feelings or actionThe speech incited a riot in the streets.
inclineincline / inclined / inclinedTo lean, slope, or tend toward a certain opinion or actionI’m inclined to agree with your proposal.
includeinclude / included / includedTo contain something as part of a wholeThe price includes breakfast and taxes.
incorporateincorporate / incorporated / incorporatedTo combine something as part of a whole, or to form a legal corporationThe recipe incorporates fresh herbs from the garden.
increaseincrease / increased / increasedTo become or make greater in size, amount, or degreeSales increased by twenty percent last quarter.
incurincur / incurred / incurredTo bring upon oneself as a result of one’s actions, especially something unwelcomeLate payments incur additional fees.
indicateindicate / indicated / indicatedTo point out or show somethingThe gauge indicates the fuel level.
induceinduce / induced / inducedTo bring about or persuade someone to do somethingThe medication was used to induce sleep.
indulgeindulge / indulged / indulgedTo allow oneself to enjoy a pleasure, especially in excessShe indulged in a slice of chocolate cake.
infectinfect / infected / infectedTo contaminate with a disease-causing organismThe wound became infected after a few days.
inferinfer / inferred / inferredTo conclude something from evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statementFrom her tone, I could infer she was upset.
infestinfest / infested / infestedTo be present in large numbers in a way that causes damage or annoyanceTermites had infested the old wooden porch.
infiltrateinfiltrate / infiltrated / infiltratedTo enter an organization or place secretlyThe spy managed to infiltrate the enemy base.
inflameinflame / inflamed / inflamedTo make something worse, more intense, or physically swollenHis comments only inflamed the argument.
inflateinflate / inflated / inflatedTo fill something with air or gas, or to increase artificiallyThey inflated the balloons for the party.
inflictinflict / inflicted / inflictedTo cause something unpleasant, such as pain or damage, to be sufferedThe storm inflicted serious damage on the coastline.
influenceinfluence / influenced / influencedTo have an effect on someone’s character, behavior, or decisionsHer mentor greatly influenced her career choices.
informinform / informed / informedTo give someone facts or informationPlease inform us of any changes to your address.
infuriateinfuriate / infuriated / infuriatedTo make someone extremely angryThe unfair decision infuriated the fans.
ingestingest / ingested / ingestedTo take food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowingThe child accidentally ingested a small battery.
inhabitinhabit / inhabited / inhabitedTo live in or occupy a placeMany species inhabit the coral reef.
inhaleinhale / inhaled / inhaledTo breathe in air or another substanceHe inhaled deeply before diving underwater.
inheritinherit / inherited / inheritedTo receive money, property, or traits from someone, typically after their deathShe inherited her grandmother’s antique jewelry.
inhibitinhibit / inhibited / inhibitedTo hinder, restrain, or prevent a process or behaviorFear can inhibit clear decision-making.
initiateinitiate / initiated / initiatedTo begin or start a process, or formally admit someone into a groupThe company initiated an investigation into the complaint.
injectinject / injected / injectedTo force liquid into something, especially with a needleThe nurse injected the vaccine into his arm.
injureinjure / injured / injuredTo cause physical harm to someoneShe injured her ankle while hiking.
innovateinnovate / innovated / innovatedTo introduce new ideas, methods, or productsThe startup innovates constantly to stay ahead of competitors.
inoculateinoculate / inoculated / inoculatedTo introduce a vaccine into a person or animal to build immunityFarmers inoculate livestock against common diseases.
inquireinquire / inquired / inquiredTo ask for informationShe inquired about the store’s opening hours.
inscribeinscribe / inscribed / inscribedTo write or carve words onto a surfaceThe jeweler inscribed their initials on the ring.
insertinsert / inserted / insertedTo put or fit something into something elseInsert the key into the lock and turn it.
insistinsist / insisted / insistedTo demand something firmly or refuse to accept another viewHe insisted on paying for dinner.
inspectinspect / inspected / inspectedTo examine something closely, often officiallyThe mechanic inspected the car before the trip.
inspireinspire / inspired / inspiredTo fill someone with the urge or ability to do something creative or positiveHer story inspired thousands of readers.
installinstall / installed / installedTo put equipment or software in place for useThey installed solar panels on the roof.
instillinstill / instilled / instilledTo gradually establish an idea, attitude, or habit in someoneGood teachers instill a love of learning in their students.
instituteinstitute / instituted / institutedTo establish or set something in motion, such as a policy or organizationThe city instituted a new recycling program.
instructinstruct / instructed / instructedTo teach someone or give official ordersThe manual instructs users on proper assembly.
insulateinsulate / insulated / insulatedTo protect something from heat, cold, sound, or electricityThey insulated the attic to reduce heating costs.
insultinsult / insulted / insultedTo speak or act disrespectfully toward someoneHis rude comment insulted the entire team.
insureinsure / insured / insuredTo arrange financial compensation in the event of loss, damage, or deathThey insured their home against flood damage.
integrateintegrate / integrated / integratedTo combine parts into a whole, or to include people fully in a groupThe new software integrates smoothly with existing systems.
intendintend / intended / intendedTo have a plan or purpose in mindI intend to finish the project by Friday.
intensifyintensify / intensified / intensifiedTo become or make more intenseThe storm intensified overnight.
interceptintercept / intercepted / interceptedTo stop or seize something before it reaches its destinationThe defender intercepted the pass.
interfereinterfere / interfered / interferedTo get involved in a situation without invitation, disrupting itPlease don’t interfere in our decision.
interpretinterpret / interpreted / interpretedTo explain the meaning of something, or to translate spoken languageShe interpreted the ancient text for the museum.
interrogateinterrogate / interrogated / interrogatedTo question someone formally and thoroughly, often intenselyPolice interrogated the suspect for hours.
interruptinterrupt / interrupted / interruptedTo stop the continuous progress of something, especially by breaking inShe interrupted the meeting with urgent news.
intersectintersect / intersected / intersectedTo cross or meet at a pointThe two roads intersect near the old bridge.
interveneintervene / intervened / intervenedTo become involved in a situation to change its outcomeThe teacher intervened before the argument escalated.
interviewinterview / interviewed / interviewedTo ask someone questions in a formal meeting to assess or gather informationThe journalist interviewed the mayor about the new policy.
intimidateintimidate / intimidated / intimidatedTo frighten someone into doing something through threats or pressureThe bully tried to intimidate the younger students.
intoxicateintoxicate / intoxicated / intoxicatedTo make someone drunk or under the influence of a substanceToo much wine can quickly intoxicate a person.
intrigueintrigue / intrigued / intriguedTo arouse curiosity or interestThe mystery novel’s plot intrigued readers immediately.
introduceintroduce / introduced / introducedTo present someone or something for the first timeLet me introduce you to my colleague.
intrudeintrude / intruded / intrudedTo enter a place or situation without invitation or welcomeHe felt he was intruding on their private conversation.
invadeinvade / invaded / invadedTo enter a country or place by force, or to intrude uponEnemy forces invaded the small nation at dawn.
invalidateinvalidate / invalidated / invalidatedTo make something no longer valid, legally or logicallyThe judge invalidated the contract due to fraud.
inventinvent / invented / inventedTo create something new that did not exist beforeAlexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
investinvest / invested / investedTo put money into something with the expectation of profit, or to devote time and effortThey invested heavily in renewable energy.
investigateinvestigate / investigated / investigatedTo carry out a systematic inquiry to discover factsDetectives investigated the mysterious disappearance.
invigorateinvigorate / invigorated / invigoratedTo give someone strength, energy, or vitalityA brisk walk in the morning invigorated her for the day.
inviteinvite / invited / invitedTo ask someone to attend an event or do somethingThey invited the whole neighborhood to the barbecue.
invokeinvoke / invoked / invokedTo call upon something, such as a law, power, or memoryThe lawyer invoked a rarely used clause in the contract.
involveinvolve / involved / involvedTo include something as a necessary part, or to engage someone in an activityThe project involves several departments.
irrigateirrigate / irrigated / irrigatedTo supply land or crops with water through channels or pipesFarmers irrigate the fields during dry seasons.
irritateirritate / irritated / irritatedTo annoy someone, or to cause slight pain or inflammationThe wool sweater irritated her skin.
isolateisolate / isolated / isolatedTo separate something or someone from othersThe hospital isolated patients with contagious illnesses.
issueissue / issued / issuedTo officially give out or publish something, such as a statement or documentThe company issued a public apology.
itemizeitemize / itemized / itemizedTo list things individually, one by oneThe accountant itemized every expense on the receipt.
iterateiterate / iterated / iteratedTo repeat a process, especially to improve a result over successive attemptsThe team iterated on the design several times before launch.
itchitch / itched / itchedTo have an uncomfortable skin sensation that causes a desire to scratchThe mosquito bite itched all afternoon.

Descriptions

identify
A common verb meaning to pinpoint or name something specific, often used in science, security, and everyday recognition tasks.
idle
Describes inactivity, whether a person relaxing without purpose or an engine running while stationary.
ignite
Used both literally for starting fires and figuratively for sparking strong emotions or events.
ignore
One of the most common English verbs, describing the choice to disregard a person, warning, or fact.
illuminate
Used for physical lighting as well as figuratively for clarifying or explaining something confusing.
illustrate
Common in both art (drawing pictures for books) and communication (using examples to clarify a point).
imagine
A core verb for creativity and hypothetical thinking, used constantly in storytelling and problem-solving.
imitate
Describes mimicry, whether a child copying a parent or a comedian impersonating a celebrity.
immerse
Used literally for dipping something in liquid and figuratively for full engagement in an experience.
immigrate
Describes the act of settling in a new country, distinct from “emigrate,” which focuses on leaving the old one.
immunize
A medical verb central to public health, referring to building immunity through vaccines.
impact
Widely used in both physical (collision) and abstract (influence) senses across news and business writing.
impair
Common in medical and legal contexts to describe reduced ability, function, or judgment.
impede
A slightly formal verb used to describe obstacles that hinder movement or progress.
implant
Used medically for inserted devices and figuratively for planting an idea in someone’s mind.
implement
A staple of business and policy language, meaning to carry out or execute a plan.
implore
A dramatic, emotionally charged verb used when pleading urgently for something.
imply
Often confused with “infer,” this verb describes hinting at a meaning rather than stating it directly.
import
A key trade and economics verb, the counterpart to “export.”
impose
Frequently used in law and politics to describe enforced rules, taxes, or restrictions.
impress
A common verb for creating a strong, positive impact on someone’s opinion or feelings.
imprison
Used both literally for incarceration and figuratively for trapping someone in a difficult situation.
improve
One of the most everyday English verbs, describing progress or enhancement in almost any context.
improvise
Common in music, theater, and daily life for acting spontaneously without a set plan.
inaugurate
Typically used for formal ceremonies marking the start of a term of office or a new building.
incinerate
A technical verb often used for controlled burning of waste or destroyed materials.
incite
A strong verb often found in legal and political contexts describing provoking unrest or violence.
incline
Used physically for sloping surfaces and figuratively for having a tendency or preference.
include
An extremely common verb describing what is contained within a group, list, or total.
incorporate
Used in cooking, business, and writing to describe blending elements together or forming a company.
increase
A fundamental verb for growth or rise, used constantly in statistics, business, and science.
incur
Common in finance and law for consequences, debts, or penalties brought on by one’s own actions.
indicate
A neutral, widely used verb for showing or signaling information, common in reports and instructions.
induce
Used in medicine for triggering a physical response and generally for persuading someone to act.
indulge
Describes giving in to a desire or pleasure, often used playfully about food, hobbies, or leisure.
infect
A medical verb also used figuratively, as when enthusiasm “infects” a group of people.
infer
The listener’s counterpart to “imply,” referring to drawing a conclusion from available clues.
infest
Almost always used negatively to describe pests, insects, or vermin overrunning a place.
infiltrate
Common in espionage and security contexts, describing covert entry into a group or location.
inflame
Used medically for swelling and figuratively for worsening tensions or emotions.
inflate
Used literally for filling with air and economically for artificially raising prices or values.
inflict
Typically paired with harm, pain, or punishment being imposed on someone or something.
influence
A very common verb describing the power to shape opinions, actions, or outcomes.
inform
A staple communication verb used constantly in formal and everyday notifications.
infuriate
A strong emotional verb used when something provokes intense anger or frustration.
ingest
Common in medical and nutritional contexts, referring specifically to swallowing or consuming something.
inhabit
Frequently used in biology and geography to describe where organisms or people live.
inhale
The opposite of “exhale,” used for breathing in air, smoke, or scent.
inherit
Common in legal and genetic contexts, describing what is passed down from one generation to another.
inhibit
Used in psychology and biology to describe something that slows or blocks a natural process.
initiate
Used for starting formal processes and for the ceremonial admission of new members into a group.
inject
A medical staple verb also used figuratively, as in “inject humor” into a conversation.
injure
A common everyday verb for physical harm, from minor sprains to serious accidents.
innovate
Central to business and technology writing, describing the creation of new and improved solutions.
inoculate
A precise medical and agricultural term closely related to “immunize” and “vaccinate.”
inquire
A slightly formal verb for asking questions, common in customer service and polite conversation.
inscribe
Used for permanent writing or engraving on stone, metal, or other durable materials.
insert
A practical, instructional verb used constantly in manuals, technology, and everyday tasks.
insist
Describes firm persistence in a demand, request, or opinion despite resistance.
inspect
Common in quality control, safety, and official checks where careful examination is required.
inspire
A widely used positive verb describing motivation, creativity, or admiration sparked in others.
install
Used both for physical equipment and for setting up software or systems on a device.
instill
Describes the slow, deliberate cultivation of values or habits over time.
institute
A formal verb often used for launching official policies, rules, or organizations.
instruct
Used both for teaching skills and for giving direct commands or guidance.
insulate
Common in construction and science, describing materials or methods that block transfer of energy.
insult
A straightforward verb for offensive words or actions directed at another person.
insure
A finance and legal term for protecting against risk through an insurance policy.
integrate
Used in technology for combining systems and socially for including people equally in a community.
intend
A common verb for expressing plans, purpose, or deliberate aim behind an action.
intensify
Describes an increase in strength or degree, often used for weather, emotions, or conflicts.
intercept
Common in sports and security contexts, describing catching or blocking something in transit.
interfere
Describes unwanted involvement in someone else’s affairs or a disruption to a process.
interpret
Used for explaining meaning, translating language live, and analyzing art or data.
interrogate
A formal, often intense verb associated with law enforcement and detailed questioning.
interrupt
One of the most common conversational verbs, describing breaking into speech or halting an activity.
intersect
Used literally for crossing lines or roads and figuratively for overlapping ideas or paths.
intervene
Describes stepping in deliberately to prevent or change an outcome, often in conflicts.
interview
Common in journalism, hiring, and research for structured question-and-answer sessions.
intimidate
Describes using fear or pressure to control or influence someone’s behavior.
intoxicate
Used literally for alcohol or drugs and figuratively for being overwhelmed by excitement or success.
intrigue
A pleasant verb describing something so interesting it captures someone’s attention or curiosity.
introduce
An everyday social verb used for meeting new people and also for launching new products or ideas.
intrude
Describes unwanted entry into a place, conversation, or personal space.
invade
Common in history and military contexts, also used figuratively for privacy being invaded.
invalidate
A formal verb often used in law and logic to describe nullifying an agreement or argument.
invent
A core verb of innovation, describing the creation of new devices, methods, or ideas.
invest
Common in finance for money and generally for dedicating time, effort, or resources to a goal.
investigate
Common in journalism, science, and law enforcement for careful, methodical fact-finding.
invigorate
Describes an energizing effect, often used for fresh air, exercise, or motivating experiences.
invite
An everyday social verb central to hospitality and organizing gatherings.
invoke
Used in law for citing rules and generally for calling upon a feeling, power, or authority.
involve
An extremely common verb describing participation, inclusion, or the components of a situation.
irrigate
An agricultural verb describing artificial watering of crops or land.
irritate
Used both for mild physical discomfort and for the everyday feeling of annoyance.
isolate
Common in medicine, science, and social contexts for separating something for safety or study.
issue
A formal verb often used for official releases of statements, documents, or supplies.
itemize
Common in finance and record-keeping for breaking a total down into individual entries.
iterate
Popular in software and design contexts, describing repeated refinement toward a better outcome.
itch
A simple physical verb for skin irritation, also used figuratively for a strong desire to do something.
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