IRREGULAR VERBS
abide - abode - abode
can't stand sth/ sb, dislike I can't abide his bad moods./ I can't abide people with no sense of humour./ I can't abide his stupid jokes.
arise - arose - arisen
to happen, to start exist This problems arise when people try to avoid responsibility.
to move upward Mist arose on the valley.
awake - awoke/ awaked - awoken/ awaked
to wake (sb) up (old-fashioned) She fell asleep immediately but awoke an hour later.
be - was/were - been
to exist, to be present Today is Monday./ John is my brother./ She was a famous actress.
bear - bore - bore/ born
to be able to accept and deal with sth unpleasant He could hardly bear the pain.
to support the weight of sth The leaves were borne away by the wind.
to give birth to (child) She has borne three children.
beat - beat- beaten
to hit sth/ sb to cause pain He was beaten badly.
to defeat sb in a game/ competition He beat me at chess.
to hit e.g. the drum They beat (out) a message on their drums.
in cooking - to mix or stir sth She used a whisk to beat the eggs.
heart The patient's heart beating very fast.
to move e.g. wings The bird was beating its wings.
become - became - become
to start to be sth She won the election, becoming the first woman to be President on the nation.
to look attractive to someone/ to be flattering to someone That dress becomes you.
befall -befell -befallen
to happen to (someone or something - sth bad or unpleasant) It's sad to think of the unhappy fate that befell him.
beget - begot - begot
to cause sth to happen or exist (formal) Violence begets more violence.
to become father of someone (old-fashioned) He died without begetting an heir.
begin - began - begun
to start doing sth/ start to happen He fell down and began to cry./ The meeting began in the morning.
behold - beheld - beheld
to look/ see sth/ sb (formal) Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it./ They beheld a bright star shining in the sky.
bend - bent - bent
to use force to cause sth to become curved Bend a wire into a circle.
to curve out of a straight line or position The road bends to the left.
to move your body so that it is not straight She bend down to pick up a piece of paper and then she straightened up again.
bereave - bereaved - bereaved/ bereft
when sb's relative or close friend has just died, sb's bereaved The ceremony was an ordeal for those who had been recently bereaved.
beseech - besought - besought
to beg someone for sth, to ask sb in a serious and emotional way to do sth (formal) Let him go! I beseech you!
bet - bet/ betted - bet/ betted
to risk to losing sth He bet $5 on the game.
to think that something will probably or certainly happen/ predict I bet (that) it'll rain tomorrow.
bet - bade - bidden
to order or command someone to do sth/ to tell sb to do sth We did as we were bidden./ He bade me come closer.
bid - bid - bid
to offer to pay (money) for sth that is being sold I'll bid $100 for the lamp but no higher.
bind - bound - bound
to tie or wrap sb/ sth with a rope, string She bound her hair in a ponytail./ He bound the prisoner's wrists (together) with a rope.
to cause sth to form a mass that says together The mayonnaise binds the salad together.
to put a cover or binding on (a book) This book was bound by hand.
bite - bit - bitten
to use your teeth to cut into or through sth Does your dog bite?/ He got bitten by the dog. He bite the apple.
to wound someone by pushing a stinger/ fang into the skin The patient had been bitten by a poisonous snake.
bleed - bled - bled
to lose or release the blood because of a cut, injury My finger's bleeding./ She was bleeding from her hand.
to remove air or liquid from sth We bled air from the tank.
to dye sth The shirt's colours may bleed if you wash it in hot water.
blow - blew - blown
of air/ wind - to move with speed of force The wind is blowing hard.
to send out air from the mouth She blew on her fingers to warm them.
break - broke - broken
to separate sth into parts or pieces She broke the cup when she dropped it on the floor
to cause (a bone) to separate into two or more pieces He fell and broke his leg.
to stop working because of being damaged I'm afraid I've broken your phone.
breed - bred - bred
to reproduce (animals)
to keep and take care of animals or plants
to take care of and teach (e.g. child) She believes that we are breeding a generation of children who know nothing about the history of their country.
bring - brought - brought
to come with sb/ sth to a place I'll bring a bottle of wine (with me) when I come to your party.
to cause (something or someone) to come Love of adventure brought her here before taking her to many other places.
to cause sth to exist, happen, or start The tablets may bring (you) some relief. / Having a baby has brought great happiness into her life. / The sad story brought tears to our eyes.
broadcast - broadcast - broadcast
to send out (signals, programs, etc.) by radio or television The interview was broadcast from London.
to tell (something that is private or secret) to many people If you tell her anything about your personal life she'll broadcast it to everyone in the office.
build - built - built
to make sth by putting together parts or materials The house is built (out) of brick./ The bridge was built in the 1890s.
to develop or form sth gradually I've started building a collection of rare books.
to increase the amount of sth Lifting weights helps build muscle and increase strength.
burn - burnt - burnt
of a fire or flame - to give off heat, light, and gases A small fire burned brightly in the fireplace./ Be sure not to leave any candles burning when you go to bed.
to destroy or damage sth by fire or heat I burned the letter when I had finished reading it./ Parts of the house were badly burned in the fire.
to injure or damage (someone or a part of the body) by fire, heat, acid, etc. He was badly burned in the accident./ She burned her hand on the hot stove.
to ruin (food) by cooking it too long or with too much heat I'm afraid I burned the potatoes.
burst - burst - burst
to break open or into pieces in a sudden and violent way/ explode The balloon burst./ We could hear bombs bursting in the distance./ Two of the water pipes burst.
to open suddenly The doors suddenly burst open.
to come or go very quickly and suddenly He burst into the room./ The sun burst through the clouds./ She burst through the door and yelled “Surprise!”
buy - bought - bought
to get sth by paying money for it/ purchase I bought a computer.
to accept or believe sth as true He said it was a mistake, but I don't buy it.
to give money to someone in order to get that person to do sth illegal or dishonest for you An honest policeman who can't be bought.
can - could - be able to
to be able to do sth I don't need any help. I can do it myself./ I can't decide what to do.
to know how to do sth I can whistle.
to have the power or skill to do sth She can play the piano.
to be designed to do sth A car that can hold five people.
used to describe what someone sees, feels, thinks, etc. “Can you see him yet?” “Yes, I can see him clearly.”
to have permission to do sth You can do it tomorrow if you like./ You can't leave until you finish washing the dishes.
used in speech to make a request or suggestion Can/ Could I have another cookie? ▪ Can/ Could] you open the window a little more, please?
cast - cast - cast
to throw or move sth in a forceful way cast [=throw, toss] a stone/ Seaweed was cast up by the waves.
to send or direct sth in the direction of someone or sth He cast a glance toward the door
to send sth out or forward The tree cast a long shadow on the lawn.
to assign (an actor or actress) a role in a film, play, etc. She was cast as a college professor who becomes a spy.
catch - caught - caught
to use your hands to stop and hold sth/ sb/ not allow to escape She caught the ball with one hand./ The police are working hard to catch the criminals and put them in jail.
to become affected with (a sickness or disease) We both caught the flu./ I seem to catch a cold every winter.
to hear or understand sth What was that again? I didn't quite catch what you said.
to get on a bus, train, etc., before it leaves If you miss the first bus, you can catch the next one in 15 minutes.
chide - chid - chidden
to express mild disapproval of (someone)/ to scold (someone) gently She chided us for arriving late./ “You really should have been here on time,” she chided.
choose - chose - chosen
= pick, select The political party chose a leader./ They chose her as the team captain.
to decide what to do They chose to go by train./ They chose not to believe it.
cleave - clove/ cleft - cloven/ cleft
to split sth by hitting it with sth heavy and sharp The wood is old and cleaves easily.
to separate sth into parts/ divide The country was cleaved in two by civil war.
cling - clung - clung
to hold onto something or someone very tightly The children clung together under the little umbrella waiting for the storm to pass./ The boy clung onto his mother's hand as they walked through the crowd.
to stay very close to someone for emotional support, protection, etc. ... parents who cling to their children instead of allowing them to be independent.
to stick to sth or someone The shirt clung to his wet shoulders.
to continue to believe in or depend on sth He is still clinging to the idea that his marriage can be saved.
clothe - clad - clad
to provide (someone) with clothes ...the cost of feeding and clothing your children.
to dress (someone) in a particular type of clothing ...people who clothe themselves in designer fashions.
come - came - come
to move toward someone or sth Please come here for a minute. I want to show you something. / She came quietly into the room./ He came home late again last night.
to go or travel to a place People come from all over the country to see him./ Some people came by car while others came by plane./ I hope you'll come and visit us soon.
about mails - to be delivered to a place Did/has the mail come yet? / The mail comes every day at four o'clock./ A letter came for you.
cost - cost - cost
the price of something - the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something The original cost of the house was $200,000.
an amount of money that must be spent regularly to pay for something (such as running a business or raising a family) The cost of doing business in this area is high./ We need better cost control.
sth that is lost, damaged, or given up in order to achieve or get sth Winning the war, he believes, was worth the cost in lives./ They had won the battle, but at what cost? Far too many people had died.
creep- crept - crept
to move slowly with the body close to the ground A spider was creeping along the bathroom floor./ She crept toward the edge of the roof and looked over.
to move slowly and quietly especially in order to not be noticed I caught him creeping down the stairs to the kitchen./ She crept into bed next to her sleeping husband.
to grow along the ground or up a surface (such as a tree or wall) ivy creeping up a wall/ a creeping vine
to be extremely nice to someone in order to get approval or some advantage for yourself He's been creeping (up) to the boss for months, so it's no surprise he got a promotion.
crow - crowed/ crew - crowed
to make the loud, high sound that a rooster makes or a similar sound The cock/rooster crowed as the sun began to rise.
cut - cut - cut
to use a sharp tool (e.g. knife, scissors) to open or divide sth Cut the paper along the dotted./ She cut into the melon with a knife.
to make a hole or wound in (a person's skin) I cut myself while shaving./ Pieces of broken glass cut her face and arms.
to make (a hole) in sth by using a sharp tool They cut a hole in the wall for the new window.
to divide or separate parts of sth by using a sharp tool It's time to cut the cake!/ I'll cut the apple in half so you both can have some./ Would you cut me a slice of bread?
to make (hair, grass, etc.) shorter by using a sharp tool (such as scissors) I cut my hair short for the summer./ Where'd you get your hair cut?/ I need to cut my nails; they're way too long./ The grass in our yard needs to be cut.
to make the amount of sth smaller - reduce Our benefits were recently cut at work./ The drug has been shown to cut the risk of heart attack by half./ In just three years, the mayor has cut the city's crime in half.
dare - dared - dared
to have enough courage or confidence to do sth/ to not be too afraid to do sth Try it if you dare./ We wanted to laugh but didn't dare./ No one dared to say anything.
used in speech to show that you are angry about what someone has done or said How dare you touch me!/ How dare he speak to you like that!
deal - dealt - dealt
to give cards to the players in a card game It's your turn to deal./ Each player is dealt five cards.
to buy and sell (drugs, art, etc.) as a business She got caught dealing drugs in school./ How long has he been dealing? (drugs)
dig - dug- dug
to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by removing soil, sand, snow, etc. Dig a hole three feet deep./ The first step in building a house is to dig the foundation./ The prisoners escaped by digging a tunnel under the fence.
to look for information about sth These detectives won't stop digging until they find out what happened.
to reach for sth She dug (around) in her purse for her keys.
to put (your hand) into sth He dug his hands into his pockets.
do- did - done
to perform an action or activity We should do something special to celebrate your birthday. / I have to do some chores this afternoon./ Tell me what to do and I'll do it.
used to describe the success or progress of someone or something “How is she doing in school?” “She did badly/poorly at first, but now she's doing much better.
to create or produce sth a writer who is doing a new biography on Abraham Lincoln/ a painter who has done some beautiful landscapes
to perform in or be the producer or director of (a movie, play, etc.) an actress who has done several hit movies/ a director who is doing a play on Broadway
to wash or clean sth The woman we hired to clean our house doesn't do windows.
to decorate (a place) They did the bedroom in blue and the living room in green.
draw - drew - drawn
to make (a picture, image, etc.) by making lines on a surface especially with a pencil, pen, marker, chalk, etc., but not usually with paint He drew me a picture of the bike.
to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something The case has drawn attention to the fact that many athletes never graduate./ I would like to draw your attention to the third line./ He didn't want to draw attention to himself.
dream - dreamt - dreamt
a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep He had a dream about climbing a mountain./ You were in my dream last night.
something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time He has had a lifelong dream of becoming an actor./ It's a dream of mine to own a house in the country. / Tell me your hopes and dreams.
drink - drank - drunk
to take a liquid into your mouth and swallow it The baby still drinks from a bottle./ What would you like to drink? / We drank orange juice with breakfast./ I drink lots of water when I'm hiking.
drive - drove - driven
to direct the movement of (a car, truck, bus, etc.) He drove the car down a bumpy road. ▪ She drives a taxi./ Do you want to drive or should I?/ He is learning to drive.
to travel in a car We drove all night and arrived at dawn./ Are you driving or flying to Canada?
to take (someone or something) to a place in a car, truck, etc. I drove her to the train station this morning./ I had to drive myself to the hospital./ Her mom drove us home.
to cause (someone) to behave in a particular way Poverty drove them to a life of crime./ Ambition drove her to succeed.
to bring (someone) into a particular condition That noise is driving me insane/crazy./ The new store drove him out of business. / Her perfume drives me wild.
dwell - dwelled/dwelt - dwelled/dwelt
to live in a particular place a cave where bats dwell/ He dwelled in the same town for years.
eat - ate - eaten
to take food into your mouth and swallow it You'll feel better if you eat something./ I ate a big breakfast so I'm not very hungry./ Let's grab a bite to eat. = Let's get something to eat./ I've been trying to watch what I eat./ I'm hungry. Let's eat./ They like to eat at home./ We like to eat out on Fridays.
fall - fell - fallen
to come or go down quickly from a high place or position An apple fell from the tree./ A vase fell off the shelf./ Rain fell from the sky./ the sound of the falling rain
to come or go down suddenly from a standing position She slipped and fell on the ice./ He fell flat on his face./ She was afraid that I would trip and fall./ He fell down the stairs./ One of the sailors had fallen overboard./ a fallen tree/ She fell down and hurt herself./ The tree fell over during the storm.
to let yourself come or go down to a lower position He fell to his knees and asked for forgiveness./ He fell back/forward onto the bed.
to come down at a particular place after moving through the air The shot fell a great distance from its target. / A ray of light fell on the table./ music falling on the ear
to slope downward The ground falls away to the east./ The sides of the ridge fall away steeply.
to hang down Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders.
to happen at a specified time Christmas falls on a Friday this year./ The worst weather of the year fell during his vacation.
used when someone's body or mind passes from one condition or state to another She fell ill/sick./ He fell asleep.
feed - fed - fed
to give food to (someone or something) Don't feed the animals./ He was too weak to feed himself./ We feed the plants with a special fertilizer twice a week./ We fed the horses with/on apples, oats, and hay.
to give (something) as food to someone or something They fed us breakfast before we left. = They fed breakfast to us before we left./ The children fed apples to the horses.
to provide what is needed for the continued growth, operation, or existence of sth They used the wood to feed the fire./ The streams feed the creek./ The motor is fed by an electrical current.
to give support or strength to (something, such as a feeling) He fed their hopes with false promises./ fears fed by ignorance/ Her early success only served to feed her ambition.
feel - felt - felt
to be aware of (something that affects you physically, such as pain, heat, or an object touching your body) He felt a sudden pain in his leg./ I could feel the warmth of the sun./ I felt someone tap my shoulder./ I could feel him pulling my hair./Do you feel a draft?
used to describe or ask about someone's physical or mental state I feel dizzy/faint./ How are you feeling today? = How do you feel today?/ I feel bad/good/sick/well/fine./ I hope you feel better soon. / He's been feeling a little depressed lately./ You can feel proud of what you've accomplished./ I feel responsible for the accident./ I feel certain/sure that we can solve these problems.
to touch sth with your fingers to see what it is like She felt the fabric to see if it was wool./ Your ribs are bruised, but I don't feel any broken bones.
to believe or think sth He feels that they behaved badly./ They felt (that) it would be foolish to continue./ I feel (that) I really ought to say something./ He felt it necessary to say something.
to have an opinion How do you feel about this proposal? / Their votes reflect how they feel toward poor people.
fight - fought - fought
o use weapons or physical force to try to hurt someone, to defeat an enemy, etc./ to struggle in battle or physical combat The soldiers fought bravely./ When he was young he was always fighting./ He fought like a tiger./ The U.S. and Germany fought in World Wars I and II.
to argue in an angry way He and his wife are always fighting over/about money./ They fight (with each other) all the time.
to try hard to do something that is difficult They were fighting to stay awake/alive./ We were fighting to protect our jobs.
find - found - found
to discover (something or someone) without planning or trying to/ to discover (something or someone) by chance
He found a dollar on the ground./ The well diggers found a number of Native American artifacts./ She finds interesting people wherever she goes./ Many artifacts can be found in this area./ Polar bears are found in the Northern Hemisphere.
to get or discover (something or someone that you are looking for) After an hour of searching, I finally found my glasses./ find a missing person/ We need to find a suitable person for the job./ I found a job for him.
to regard (someone or something you have met, seen, experienced, etc.) in a specified way I found him (to be) a very sensible man./ Students often find this book (to be) useful./ I find it hard for me to concentrate with that music playing.
to make a decision about the guilt or innocence of (someone) The jury found her guilty./She was found innocent.
flee - fled - fled
to run away from danger/ a place They fled for their lives./ The family fled from Nazi Germany to Britain in 1936./ He was accused of trying to flee the scene of the accident./ Many people fled the city to escape the fighting./ He was forced to flee the country.
fling - flung - flung
to throw or push sth in a sudden and forceful way He flung his shoe across the room./ She flung the door open and stormed into the room./ fling open a window/ They flung their hats into the air. / They were flinging abuse at each other. [=they were angrily shouting insults at each other]/ They flung him into prison. [=put him in prison]
to forcefully move (yourself or a part of your body) in a specified way She flung herself into his arms./ He flung his arms around her./ I flung back my head and laughed./ He leaned back and flung his leg over the arm of the chair.
fly - flew - flown
to move through the air with wings A bird flew in through the open window./ insects flying over the water
to move through the air especially at a high speed We watched as clouds flew across the sky.
to control an airplane, helicopter, etc., as it moves through the air/ to be the pilot of an aircraft fly a plane/ He flies jets./ He learned to fly while he was in the Air Force./ She flies for a major airline./ She's taking flying lessons.
to journey over (something, such as an ocean) by flying an airplane Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly the Atlantic solo.
to travel in an aircraft or spacecraft They flew to California for vacation./ I'm flying to Canada to visit my family./ He insists on flying first-class.
forbear - forbore - forborne
to choose not to do (something that you could do)/ to avoid doing or saying sth He carefully forbore any mention of her name for fear of upsetting them. / We decided to forbear from provoking him any further./ He forbore to mention her name.
forbid - forbade - forbidden
to order (someone) not to do something I forbid you to go!/ She was forbidden by her parents to marry him.
to say that (something) is not allowed The museum forbids flash photography./ The company's rules forbid dating among employees.
forget - forgot - forgotten
to be unable to think of or remember sth He forgot the address. / I keep forgetting her name. / The pain and misery are impossible to forget. / She forgot how to set up the tent./ I'll never forget the first time we met./ Don't forget that you have to turn off the light when you leave.
to fail to remember to bring or take sth When he got to the restaurant he realized that he had forgotten his wallet.
to stop thinking or caring about someone or sth He was once a famous actor, but now most people have forgotten (about) him./ You shouldn't forget (about) your old friends./ He's now a forgotten hero./ He's a forgotten man in the world of politics./ “I'm sorry I'm late.” “That's OK. Forget (about) it.” / If you're hoping to hear from him soon, forget it, it's not going to happen./ Forget about finding a way to escape—there's no way out of here. / “Have you seen my keys?” “No. Did you leave them in your other jacket?” “No, I thought…Oh, forget it, here they are.”
forgive - forgave - forgiven
to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong)/ to stop blaming someone forgive your enemies/ Can you ever forgive me for being so selfish?/ I've never forgiven myself for the way I treated her./ We must ask God to forgive us for our sins.
to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed) The government has agreed to forgive some of the debt.
forsake - forsook - forsaken
to give up or leave (someone or something) entirely All my friends have forsaken me./ She forsook acting for a teaching career.
freeze - froze - frozen
to be become a hard substance (such as ice) because of cold Water freezes (in)to ice./ The pond froze over./ The pond froze solid./ The low temperature froze the river.
to be very cold The children are going to freeze out there without their coats./ She nearly froze to death.
to become blocked or unable to move because of ice The water pipes froze./ My car doors froze. / The cold weather froze the water pipes.
to preserve (food) by storing it in a very cold place We froze the leftovers./ Some vegetables don't freeze well.
to stop moving/ to become completely still/ to become unable to do or say anything The guard ordered him to freeze./ The deer froze in the road as the car approached it./ She froze (up) when the teacher asked her a difficult question.
get - got - got
to obtain sth such as to receive or be given sth/ through effort, chance, etc./ to earn or gain sth/ to win sth He got a new bicycle for his birthday./ I never did get an answer to my question./ I got a letter from my lawyer. / She got a phone call from her sister./ Did you get my message?/ She hasn't been able to get a job./ It's nearly impossible to get a reservation at that restaurant./ If you want to be successful you need to get a good education./ How much does he get a week?/ I got $50 when I sold my old bicycle./ She got first prize in the essay contest.
to buy or pay for sth He got (himself) a new car at a great price./ He got a beautiful necklace for his wife.
to go somewhere and come back with (something or someone) I'll get a pencil from the desk./ Can I get anything for you / Someone has to (go) get the boss from the airport and bring her back here.
to send or take (something or someone) to a person or place I have to get an important message to her at once!/ We have to get him to the hospital immediately.
gild - gilded/ gilt - gilded/ gilt
to cover sth with a thin layer of gold gild a statue
gird - girded/ girt - girded/ girt
to tie something around your body or part of your body The knights girded themselves for battle (= put on their swords and fighting clothes).
give - gave - given
to cause or allow someone to have sth as a present/ to make a present of sth She gave him a camera for Christmas./ Someone gave me a present. = I was given a present./ Are you giving this to me or only lending it?
to put sth into someone's hand He picked up the letter and gave it to me./ He gave me the letter. / He gave her his coat to hold.
to provide someone with/ to allow someone to have (something wanted or needed)/ to allow someone to have or take (an amount of time) She has given me a lot of help/support/encouragement./ They gave me a job./ I know I can do it if you'll just give me a chance./ They gave her another opportunity./ They gave him the best room available./ The law gives all citizens the right to vote./ Just give me a few more minutes and I'll be ready./ The doctor gave him two weeks to pay his bill.
to treat or regard someone or sth with (a particular attitude, feeling, etc.)/ to direct sth toward someone She gave her friend her complete confidence./ He gave the company his loyalty. / They've worked hard. You should give them some respect./ She gave him an angry look. / He gave her a smile.
to express or say sth to someone You have no right to give me orders./ They gave him careful instructions on how to proceed./ Give them my regards.
go - went - gone
to move or travel to a place He went to the window and looked out at the yard./ She goes to the office every morning and comes home in the evening./ I'm tired. Let's go home./ She went downstairs to the kitchen./ The train goes from New York to Chicago.
to move to or be at a place (such as an office or school) for work, study, etc. She goes to church on Sunday./ She goes to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m./ Their son is going to college in Florida. / He went to prison for his crimes.
grind - ground - ground
to crush, break or cut sth into very small pieces by using a special machine Grind (up) the coffee beans into a fine powder./ The corn is ground into meal./ Grind (up) the turkey meat.
to rub or press sth against a hard surface She ground (out) her cigarette on the pavement./ Dirt was ground into the carpet.
grow - grew - grown
to become larger/ to increase in size, amount, etc. The city is growing rapidly/dramatically./ The list of chores to do this weekend keeps growing. / The sport is growing in popularity.
to become better or improved in some way : to become more developed, mature, etc. She grew intellectually and emotionally in her first year at college./ It's wonderful to see how she has grown as a person since going to college.
to become larger and change from being a child to being an adult as time passes/ to pass from childhood to adulthood It can be hard to watch our children change as they grow./ He's still just a growing boy./ She's grown (by) at least an inch since the last time I saw her.
of a plant - to exist and develop These trees grow only in the jungle./ As the tree grew taller, the branches began to touch the house./ This plant does well in difficult growing conditions.
to cause (a plant) to grow : to cultivate or raise (a plant) She grows tomatoes in her garden./ The plant is grown for its colourful flowers.
of hair, fingernails - to become longer She's letting her hair grow a little./ His fingernails grow quickly. / She's growing her hair long. /He tried to grow a beard/moustache.
to cause (something, such as a business) to develop or get bigger These changes should allow us to grow the company while reducing waste./ He claims that his proposals will help grow the economy.
hang - hung - hung
to attach or place sth so that it is held up without support from below He hung the painting on the wall./ We hung paper lanterns from the trees. / Several of her paintings are hanging in the Museum of Modern Art. / Your coat is hanging in the closet.
to float over a place or object for a long time Storm clouds were hanging low overhead./ Smoke hung above the crowd./ The smell of perfume hung in the air around her.
to be or stay somewhere for a period of time without doing much We were hanging at Suzee's.
have - had - had
to own, use, or hold sth Do they have a new car?/ You can have it until I get back./ She has a red bike, and I have a blue one./ I'm looking for the newspaper. Do you have it? He had the newspaper right in his hand./ I used to have a necklace like that, but I lost it./ She used to share a room with her sister, but now she has her own room.
something that you must do or want to do in order to complete a task We have things to do. /We've things to do./ I have several more pages to read.
used to describe a quality, skill, feature, etc., of a person or thing She has an impressive knowledge of French./ She has a good outlook on life./ All the children in that family have red hair./ A man who had a foreign accent was asking to see you,/ The museum has interesting exhibits.
to give birth to (a child) She had her first child when she was 25./ She's going to be having another baby soon.
to experience sth “Are you having fun?” “Yes, I'm having a wonderful time!”/ Everyone had a good time at the party.
hear - heard - heard
to be aware of (sound) through the ear Do you hear that music?/ I can't hear you. = I can't hear what you are saying./ I couldn't hear a word of what he said over all that noise.
to listen to (someone or something) I heard her in concert a few years ago./ Have you ever heard Wagner sung/performed in English?
to be told sth I hear he's leaving town./ “Is he leaving town?” “So I've heard.” = “So I hear.”/ “Is he leaving town?” “That's what I'm hearing.” / I don't know what happened. I'll let you know if I hear anything./ I've heard it said that smoking is bad for your health./ He heard it on the radio.
to give attention to (someone or something) Lord, hear our prayers.
to listen to and make a judgment about (a court case) The judge will hear the case.
hew - hewed - hewed/ hewn
to shape sth by cutting with a sharp tool (such as an ax) They hewed logs to build a cabin./ The walls are built of stones hewn by skilled craftsmen.
hide - hid - hidden
to put sth in a place where it cannot be seen or found She hid the gifts under the bed.
to prevent sth from being seen Clouds hid the sun all day./ She hid her face in her hands. / They live in a house hidden among the trees.
to go to or stay at a place where you cannot be seen or found She hid under the bed./ The prisoners hid (out) down by the river after escaping./ He has nowhere to hide.
to put (someone or yourself) in a place that cannot be seen or found She hid him/herself under the bed./ She hid him from the police.
to keep sth from being known She tried to hide the fact that she was looking for another job./ You shouldn't try to hide your feelings (from me)./ He made no attempt to hide his anger./ You can ask me anything. I have nothing to hide.
hit - hit - hit
to bring your hand or an object you're holding against sb/ sth quickly and with force He hit the fence with a stick./ The boxers hit each other with their fists./ The ball hit the house./ I accidentally hit my head against the side of the door while I was getting into the car./ She hit her elbow on the edge of the table.
to attack sth or someone Our plan is to hit the enemy before they can hit us.
to affect sth or someone in a harmful or damaging way The ship was hit by a sudden storm./ A powerful earthquake hit the city.
to come to sth by chance or accident while you are moving We hit a west wind coming out of port./ I was late because I hit a traffic jam on the way over.
to become suddenly or completely clear to (someone)/ strike It suddenly hit me that I was doing something wrong./ The importance of the victory hasn't really hit her yet./ I was just about to give up when the solution hit me./ When you meet him, the first thing that hits you is his air of confidence./ The smell hit me as soon as I opened the door.
hold - held - held
to have or keep sth in your hand, arms, etc. Hold the rail so you won't fall./ He was holding his hat (in his hand)./ He was holding a large package in his arms./ Would you hold this for me?/ She showed him the correct way to hold the racket.
to put your arms around (someone)/ to embrace or hug (someone) Some people just don't like to be held./ He held her close/tight and kissed her.
to put or keep (something or someone) in a specified place or position He held the pen in his mouth while he dialled the number./ Hold the pen upright when you write./ She picked up the trophy and held it over her head./ You have to hold the button down for several seconds./ I held the door open for her./ Hold your arms at your sides.
to keep (something or someone) in the same place or position I need someone to hold this string while I finish tying the knot./ She held the ladder steady while he climbed up it.
to continue to be good We hope the weather holds through the weekend.
to have or keep (a job, a position, etc.) It's been a struggle for him to hold a job./ In the last election the Democratic party managed to hold several seats but lost others. /Franklin Roosevelt held the office of president for 12 years.
hurt - hurt - hurt
to cause pain or injury to (yourself, someone else, or a part of your body) Be careful with that knife or you could hurt yourself./ Ouch! You're hurting my arm!/ I hurt my back (while) carrying a heavy box up the stairs./ She was badly/seriously hurt in a car accident./ My tooth/back still hurts me.
to be a source or cause of pain My tooth/back hurts (a lot/little)./ The injection didn't hurt at all./ Ouch! That hurts!
to feel physical pain When I woke up this morning I hurt all over.
to make (someone) sad or upset / to cause (someone) to suffer emotionally Their lack of interest in her work hurt her deeply. / It hurts me to say this [=I don't enjoy saying this], but I just don't think you can do the job./ I can't tell him the meal was bad because I don't want to hurt his feelings.
to feel emotional pain or distress My sister has really been hurting since her boyfriend left her.
to do harm to (someone or something)/ to affect (someone or something) in a bad or harmful way The lack of rain has hurt the corn crop./ If we lose this game it will seriously hurt our chances of making the play-offs./ These new regulations will hurt small businesses.
keep- kept - kept
to continue having or holding sth/ to not return, lose, sell, give away, or throw away sth She's going to keep the money she found./ I can't decide whether to sell my old car or keep it for another year./ While the company laid off some employees, others had hopes of keeping their jobs./ The shirt will keep its shape after many washings.
to continue in a specified state, condition, or position I asked them to keep quiet./ He vowed to keep silent about what he had seen. / She likes to keep busy./ The program teaches kids how to keep safe near water.
to cause or force (someone) to stay in a place I won't keep you (here) much longer./ The doctors want to keep me in (the hospital) for further tests.
to not tell (a secret) I can keep a secret.
kneel - knelt - knelt
to move or to be in a position which your knees are on the floor The prisoner was ordered to kneel (down) before the king. / She was kneeling on the floor beside her child. / He was kneeling in front of the altar and praying.
knit - knit - knit
to make (a piece of clothing) from yarn or thread by using long needles or a special machine She knit a sweater for me. / He likes to knit.
to closely join or combine (things or people) Her novels knit (together) science and fantasy./ a style that knits together material from many different sources
of a bone - to grow together and heal after being broken It will take some time for the broken bones to knit (together).
know - knew - known
to have (information of some kind) in your mind He knows a lot about the history of the town./ Do you know the answer?/ I don't know her name./ Do you know what time it is? /I don't know the words to that song./ They knew a good deal about the problem./ She knows the rules of the game./ He knows everything about horses.
to understand sth/ to have a clear and complete idea of sth I don't know much about art, but I know what I like./ Scientists don't yet know why this happens./ I don't know what to do./ I don't know what you want me to do./ We had almost no money in those days. I don't know how we managed./ I don't know how you could be so careless.
to have learned (something, as a skill or a language) She knows karate/CPR./ He knows Spanish./Do you know how to type?/ I would go swimming with you, but I don't know how (to swim).
to be aware of sth/ to realize sth She knows that many people will not believe her./ I know (that) this isn't easy for you, but you have to keep trying./ As soon as I turned on the light I knew that something was missing./ There was no way for me to know that he was your brother.
to be certain of sth Everyone else believes him, but I just know (that) he's lying./ I don't know if I can trust her./ I knew he'd forget.
to recognize (someone or something)/ to identify (someone or something) accurately “How will I know her?” “She'll be wearing a red sweater.”/ I would know that voice anywhere./ I know his face but I don't remember his name./ I feel like I know this house, but I've never been here before.
lay - laid - laid
to place (someone or something) down gently in a flat position Lay the fabric carefully on the table./ He laid a gentle hand on her shoulder./ She laid the baby in his crib for a nap.
to build or set sth on or in the ground or another surface When will they lay the foundation for the addition?
to risk losing (money) if your guess about what will happen is wrong/ bet lay money on a race
lead -led - led
to guide someone to a place especially by going in front You lead and we'll follow right behind you. / He led me into a room in the back of the house.
to lie or go in a specified direction The path leads uphill./ This road doesn't lead to the village as we thought it did./ a set of stairs that leads down to the basement/ There was a path leading (off) from the meadow into the woods./ She realized that their relationship would never lead to marriage.
to guide the actions of a person or group/ to be in charge of a person, group, activity, etc. We need to elect someone who can lead. / She leads her employees by setting a good example for them./ She led a successful boycott of the store.
to go through (life) in a certain way / to have (a specified kind of life) They chose to lead a quiet life./ He leads a peaceful existence./ It turned out that he had been leading a double life.
lean - leaned/ leant - leaned/ leant
to bend or move from a straight position The tree leans to one side./ He leaned back in his chair./ They leaned over the table to smell the flowers.
to rest on or against something or someone for support You can lean on me if you get tired./ She stood leaning on her right leg./ The ladder was leaning against the house.
used to describe what someone wants to do, tends to do, or is likely to do She hasn't made a decision yet, and I don't know which way she's leaning. / She's leaning toward a career in medicine.
leap - leaped/ leapt - leaped/leapt
to jump from a surface The cat suddenly leaped into the air./ Fish were leaping out of the water./ He leaped off the bridge./ The cat leapt down from (the top of) the table./ The boys leaped over the stream./ He made a leaping catch. [=he caught the ball as he jumped]
to jump over sth The horse leaped the stone wall.
to move quickly She leapt up [=she stood up quickly] and ran out the door./ When the alarm went off, she leapt out of bed./ The crowd leapt to its feet./The team leaped from last place to first place./ The conversation leapt from politics to religion./ They leaped into action.
to suddenly increase by a large amount The price of gasoline leaped (by) 10 percent.
learn - learned/ learnt - learned/ learnt
to gain knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing sth People learn throughout their lives./ He is learning quickly./ I can't swim yet, but I'm learning. / We learned about the reasons for the war in our history class. / We all have the ability to learn from our mistakes./ She learned from experience that when grease catches on fire, you shouldn't put water on it.
to cause (something) to be in your memory by studying it - memorize I'm trying to learn my lines for the play./ We had to learn the names of the state capitals.
to hear or be told sth/ to find out sth She learned through/from a letter that her father had died./ I later learned that they had never called./ I was surprised when I learned (that) he wasn't coming./ We finally learned the truth about what had happened.
to become able to understand sth through experience He quickly learned what it means to be a father./ We learned that if we wanted a good job, we had to go to college./ I have learned that life isn't easy./ Someday you'll learn that money is not the most important thing in life.
leave - left - left
to go away from (a place) What time will you leave the office?/ Don't leave home without your wallet./ I left the party at seven o'clock. / We will leave at 10 o'clock./ Are we leaving soon?/ She left quickly./They left by bus./ The train left an hour ago but another will be arriving soon. / The train left from Paris for Barcelona an hour ago.
to go away from (a place) to live in a different place They left the country for a new life in the city./ He left town a month ago./ He left home after graduating from high school.
to go away from (a person) She left her friends and went home./ We left him so that he could do his work.
to stop living with and having a close personal relationship with (someone) His mother left him when he was very young./ He left his wife and children./ His wife left him for another man./ He hasn't been the same since his wife left.
to give up or stop having (a job, position, etc.) He left his job and went back to school.
to stop attending, belonging to, or working for (a school, a group, an organization, etc.) She left school and got a job./ She left our team and joined another one./ He has one more year before he leaves the army./ He's going to be leaving the company soon and starting his own business./ You must give the company two weeks' notice before leaving.
to stop participating in (something, such as a game) The starting quarterback had to leave the game because of an injury./ When did she leave the meeting?
to go away and allow or cause (something or someone) to remain Please leave your books at home./ You may leave your things in this room.
lend - lent - lent
to give (something) to (someone) to be used for a period of time and then returned She often lends us books. / Could you lend me your pen? [=could I borrow your pen?]/ Can you lend me 50 cents?/ The bank wouldn't lend us the money. / Many banks won't lend to people with bad credit.
let - let - let
to allow or permit (someone or something) to do something Let them go./ I'll be happy to help you if you'll let me (help you)./ A break in the clouds let us see the summit./ Don't let this opportunity slip away!/ Let me see the bruise./ I don't believe that people should let children do whatever they want to do./ My philosophy is “Live and let live.” [=live your life as you choose and let other people do the same]
lie - lay - lain
of a person or animal - to be in a flat position on a surface (such as a bed) Lie still./ She lay asleep on the bed. / The police found him lying unconscious in an alley./ All the dog did was just lie there.
to move from a standing or sitting position to a flat position on a surface The doctor asked him to lie [=lie down] on the table.
to be in a flat position on a surface snow lying on the ground/ A note was lying on the table when he came home./ The leaves lay thick on the ground.
light - lighted/ lit - lighted/ lit
to provide light for sth They used candles to light the room. / a dimly/poorly lit room/ a brightly lit room/ a well-lighted place/ Our guide used a candle to light the way.
to cause sth to burn light a match/candle/ I lit (up) a cigarette for him.
to begin to burn waiting for the wood to light
lose - lost - lost
to be unable to find (something or someone) She's always losing her gloves./ Don't lose your keys./ Hold my hand: I don't want to lose you./ The police lost him in the crowd./ The airline lost my luggage. / He lost the fly ball in the sun.
to fail to win (a game, contest, etc. We lost the game by a score of 4-2./ The team lost three games but won the next four.
to fail to keep or hold (something wanted or valued) The country lost its independence 50 years ago./ The mayor is losing power/influence/support./ He is in danger of losing control of the company./ She lost control of the car and skidded off the road./ I was so angry that I lost control (of myself, of my temper) and yelled at them./ She didn't lose her job but she lost access to all confidential company materials./ The senator lost votes when he angered some of his supporters./ The religious community was losing its younger members./ He hasn't lost his sense of humour./ They had lost all hope of winning the title./ I don't want anything to eat. I've lost my appetite.
make - made - made
to build, create, or produce sth by work or effort He works in a factory that makes jet engines./ She made the curtains herself./ He collected wood to make a fire./ She used cheese and a mixture of other ingredients to make a delicious sauce./ The box is made of wood.
to cause sth to exist, happen, or appear The car's engine has been making a strange noise lately./ The rock made a dent in the car's fender./ I'm not trying to make trouble./ The typist made a mistake./ They moved over and made room for her./ I want to make a good home for my children.
to create or write sth in an official or legal way The government should make laws to protect poor people./ I don't make the rules; I just follow them.
to produce, direct, or act in (something, such as a movie) a director who has made some classic films/ That actor has made many films.
to cause (someone) to do sth He yelled at her and made her cry./ How can I make you understand that I love you?!
to force (someone) to do sth We have to find a way to make them work faster./ They made me wait for an hour./ If he doesn't want to do it, we can't make him (do it)./ They used threats to make her do it.
may - might - x
used to indicate that sth is possible or probable You may be right./ If you work hard now, you may end up sitting in the boss's chair some day!/ What you see may surprise you./ There may be some difficulties ahead./ I think he may be trying to cheat us.
used to say that one thing is true but sth else is also true He may be slow, but he does very good work. / It may be cold outside, but it's still a beautiful day.
used to indicate that sth is allowed You may go now. / No one may enter without a ticket./ The children may play wherever they choose./ You may tell me your opinion, but I won't change my mind.
used to ask a question or make a request in a polite way “May I borrow your pen?” “Of course you may!” / “May I help you,” asked the waiter.
mean - meant - meant
to have (a particular meaning) What does this word mean in English?/ The word meant one thing in Shakespeare's day, but it means something else now./ The abbreviation “U.S.” means “United States.”/ Red means “stop” and green means “go.”/ Can you tell me what my dream means? / “Bonjour” is a French word meaning “hello.”
to want or intend to express (a particular idea or meaning) I meant what I said. / What was meant by the poet?/ Don't distort what she meant by taking her words out of context./ When she says the play was “interesting,” she means (that) it wasn't very good./ He's very ambitious, and I mean that as a compliment./ It's a very easy question. Anyone, and I mean anyone, should be able to answer it.
to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal Just what do you mean (by) coming into my room without knocking?
to indicate or show (something that is going to happen) Those clouds mean rain. / When he gets that angry look in his eyes, you know it means trouble.
meet - met - met
to see and speak to (someone) for the first time/ to be introduced to or become acquainted with (someone) He met his wife at work./ We met each other in college./ Did you meet anyone interesting at the party?/ I'd like you to meet my good friend Bob./ I'm happy/glad/pleased to meet you. / The couple met at a dance. / Have we met? You look familiar./ Actually, we've already met.
to come together in order to talk/ to go to a place to be with someone else They met for drinks after work./ We arranged to meet for lunch./ Let's meet at the park./ They meet together every week./ We are meeting downtown tomorrow. / She said she'd meet me in/at the park.
to come together formally/ to have a meeting The club meets every Wednesday night.
to come together for a discussion We are meeting today to discuss the plans.
mow - mowed - mowed/ mown
to cut (something, such as grass) with a machine or a blade mow the grass/ mow hay/ mow the lawn
must - had to - x
used to say that something is required or necessary You must stop. / I told him what he must do. / One must eat to live./ You must follow the rules. / We must correct these problems soon or the project will fail./ I must remember to stop at the store.
used to say that someone should do something You must read this book. It's fantastic!/ You must come visit us soon./ You really must see the doctor about that cough.
used to say that something is very likely It must be almost dinner time./ She must think I'm a fool./ It must have been the coffee that kept me awake./ He must have been the most gifted student at the school. / He must have a lot of money to live the way he does.
used in questions that express annoyance or anger Must you be so unreasonable? / Why must it always rain on the weekend?
ought to - x - x
used to indicate what is expected They ought to be here by now./ You ought to be able to read this book./ There ought to be a gas station on the way./ He ought to have known better./ If my math is correct, the result ought to be zero./ He ought to have enough money for the trip./ She ought to be ashamed of herself.
used to say or suggest what should be done You ought to get some rest./ That leak ought to be fixed./ You ought to do your homework./ We ought to go now./ We ought to get together some time soon./ You ought to apologize./ Children ought not run near the pool.
pay - paid - paid
to give money to someone for sth you want to buy or for service I'll pay the taxi driver./ I already paid last week./ Do we have to pay to park here?/ We get paid on Fridays. / The workers get paid well.
put - put - put
to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular place or position She put the plant near the window./ Put the car in the garage./ I put the keys on the table./ He put his arms around her and held her tight.
to cause (someone) to be in a particular place or send (someone) to a particular place The illness put her in the hospital for three days./ They put her in prison for forgery./ Her parents decided to put her in a special school for deaf children.
to write sth with a pen or pencil in or on something Don't forget to put your signature on the check./ He put his phone number on a napkin./ Put a circle around the correct answer./ I wrote that the answer was option B. What did you put? / She had always dreamed of writing a novel, but she never actually put pen to paper.
to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular state or condition Not exercising puts you at greater risk of developing heart disease./ Put the TV on channel 5, please./ Who put you in charge/command/control?/ I told her some jokes to put her in/into a good mood./ His careless spending put him in/into debt./ Their actions have put them in serious danger.
read - read - read
to look at and understand the meaning of letters, words, symbols, etc. She learned to read at a very early age./ Can you read decimals/music/Braille?/ I can't read your handwriting.
to read the words of (a book, magazine, etc.) He likes reading the newspaper./ She reads a lot of mystery novels./ We will be reading (works by) Milton in the class./ She starts work every day by reading her e-mail./ Didn't you read the instructions? / He likes to read./ She doesn't read much./ Please read from Chapter 5 through Chapter 10.
to speak aloud the words of sth written He wrote down the address I gave him and read it back to me. / Her mother read to her every night at bedtime.
to learn information about something from a book, newspaper, etc. I read about the fire in the newspaper.
to learn information about (someone) by looking at how that person behaves I can't read her - I'm not sure if she likes me or not./ You're an easy person to read.
to show (a temperature, weight, number, etc.) The thermometer reads 90 degrees./ The clock read 4:30.
rend - rent - rent
(literary) to tear sth into pieces with force or violence They rent the cloth to shreds.
rid - rid - rid
be rid of - to no longer have or be affected or bothered by (someone or sth that is unwanted or annoying) I thought I'd never be rid of that cold./ He thought he'd never be rid of her./ It's just as well that he left you. You're well rid of him.
get rid of - to do sth so that you no longer have or are affected or bothered by (sth or someone that is unwanted) It's time to get rid of our old computer and buy a new one./ I got rid of some old furniture by selling/giving it to my nephew./ I've tried everything to get rid of this cold, but it just won't go away./ He kept talking and talking. She finally got rid of him by saying she had to make dinner.
rid of - rid (someone or sth) of (someone or sth)/ to cause (someone or sth) to no longer have or be affected by (someone or sth unwanted) The police are trying to rid the town of drug dealers./ rid the garden of pests/ She went to the beach to relax and rid herself of all her worries.
want rid of - to want to no longer have or be affected or bothered by (sth or someone unwanted)/ to want to be rid of (sth or someone) I could tell that he wanted rid of me.
ride - rode - ridden
to sit on and control the movements of (a horse, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.) She learned how to ride a horse when she was young./ Most children learn to ride a bicycle at an early age. ▪/ I never rode on a horse before./ She got on her bicycle and rode away.
ring - rang - rung
to cause (an object or device, such as a bell)/ to make a sound (especially as a signal of sth) She rang the little bell./ Ring the doorbell./ When she discovered the fire she immediately rang the alarm./ The church bells were ringing./ The alarm/doorbell is ringing./ Excuse me, my cell phone is ringing.
to fill a place or area with sound Cheers rang through the hall as the winner was announced./ Gunshots rang in the air.
to make a telephone call to someone or sth I'll ring you (up) tomorrow./ He called me yesterday, and I rang him back today./I rang this morning./ He's not here right now. Can you ring back later?
rise - rose - risen
to move upward Smoke was rising into the air./ Bubbles rose to the surface of water./ The airplane rose into the sky. / His spirits rose when he heard the good news.
to become higher The tide rose and fell./ The river is rising.
to slope or extend upward The land rises as you move away from the coast./ The road rose gently/steeply./ a tower rising above the little town/ mountains rose up before us
to advance to a higher level or position/ to become more popular, successful, etc. a politician who rose to fame/power/prominence very quickly/ Empires rise and fall./ The book has risen to the top of best-seller lists.
to increase in amount, number, level, etc. Sales have risen in recent months./ People are angry about rising gasoline prices./ The population has been rising dramatically/sharply/markedly.
to become stronger/ to increase in strength The wind rose in the afternoon./ My anger rose as I thought about what she had said.
to become louder/ to increase in volume The music rose and fell./ Her voice rose to an angry shout.
to stand up He rose slowly (to his feet)/ She quickly rose from the chair and began to walk away.
to get up from sleeping in a bed He rose refreshed after a good night's sleep.
of the sun or moon - to appear above the horizon The sun rises in the morning and sets at night./ We watched as the moon rose in the eastern sky.
of bread, cake - to become bigger Yeast will make the dough rise.
to live again after dying/ to come back to life a belief that the dead will rise again / Christians believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
run - run - run
to move with your legs at a speed that is faster than walking How fast can you run?/ He runs faster than anyone else on the team./ She ran up the stairs to get her jacket./ We ran for the train—but missed it./ I heard her scream and ran to help./ She ran to me for help./ The dog ran away from me.
to leave a place quickly by running When the alarm sounded, the robbers ran./ He dropped the gun and ran./ Quick! Run and get a doctor!
to run as part of a sport, for exercise, or in a race He ran on the track team in college./ She's running in the marathon this year. / The horse will not be running in this race./ I run six miles every day.
to direct the business or activities of sth She runs the restaurant/hotel/store./ He runs the after-school program./ The President is doing a good job running the country./ The company is badly/privately run.
to do (a test or check) on someone or sth The doctors need to run some more tests. /The police ran a security check on him.
saw - sawed - sawed/ sawn
to cut or shape (wood, metal, etc.) with a saw He sawed the boards in half./ This blade is too dull for sawing.
say- said - said
to use your voice to express sth with words “Is anybody there?” he said./ “Good morning,” said the woman behind the counter./ I said three words before he interrupted me again./ I just stopped by to say hello./ He left without saying goodbye./ I wanted to say thank you for all you've done for me./ She said something about going to the store after work./ He said something in French./ Anything you say to the police can be used as evidence against you./ Don't believe a word he says./ Please be quiet. I have something to say./ Listen closely, because I'm not going to say this again/twice./ What did you say?/ Who shall I say is calling, Sir? / Did she say how to get there?/ I said to myself, “I can do it.”/ He said (that) he was a doctor./ I can honestly say (that) I had never seen that man before today.
to express (an opinion) She thinks I should break up with him. What do you say? / What would/do you say to seeing a movie tonight? / I say you're wrong.
to express (a fact) with certainty No one can say for sure whether it will happen./ It is hard to say what caused the injury./ There's no saying [=it is impossible to know] how many people died in the earthquake./“When will you be done?” “I couldn't/can't say.
to give (an order)/ to tell someone to do sth I said leave me alone!/ “Why do we have to go?” “Because your father and I said so.”/ Mom said to wait here.
to pronounce (a word) How do you say your name?
to repeat or recite sth We always say our prayers before going to bed./ Can you say the poem from memory?/ A new priest said Mass this morning.
to use written words to give (information) What does the card say?/ Does the article say how the fire happened?/ The letter says that I've been accepted to the college./ It says here that there will be a special guest at the concert./ The instructions say to add two eggs.
to show or indicate sth by using numbers, pictures, etc. The clock says five minutes after ten./ The calendar says that Christmas falls on a Monday.
see - saw - seen
to notice or become aware of (someone or sth) by using your eyes It was so dark that I couldn't see anything./ I can't see a thing without my glasses./ Would you turn on the light? I can hardly see a thing./ Let me see what you're holding in your hand./ I saw your sister at the party, but I didn't talk to her.
to be or become aware of sth He saw the opportunity and took it./ He only sees my faults./ I saw a big difference in her behaviour./ It was easy to see that she was lying./ Can't you see that he needs help?/ Anyone can see that they're in love.
to learn or find out sth especially by looking or waiting Please see who's at the door./ It will be interesting to see if the team can pull off a win./ I'm not sure if I'm going to the party. I have to see how I feel tomorrow./ You should try on the dress to see if it fits./ Can you check to see if the car needs oil?/ She brought the car to a mechanic to see what was wrong with it./ I'll see what I can do to help.
used in speech to direct someone's attention to something or someone See, I told you it would rain./ See, the bus is coming.
to think of (someone or sth) in a certain way Looking back, I see things differently now./ I see myself to be an understanding person./ I see you now for what you really are: a liar and cheat./ Try to see things from my point of view.
to understand sth I see what you mean./ I can see why/how you would feel that way./ I don't see the point of your story./ What's so funny? I don't see the joke.
seek - sought - sought
to search for (someone or sth)/ to try to find (someone or sth) He is seeking employment./ The office is seeking a salesperson./ The prince is seeking a wife./ Snakes seek the sun to warm their bodies.
to ask for (help, advice, etc.) You should visit your doctor and seek his advice./ You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath./ The church is seeking donations/volunteers.
to try to get or achieve sth During the war, she sought asylum in Spain./ They sought refuge in Canada./ The company is seeking new ways to improve service.
sell - sold - sold
to exchange sth for money He sold his car./ He buys and remodels houses and then sells them at a profit./ She sold him a watch for $20.
o make sth available to be bought Only a few stores sell that type of equipment.
to be bought by someone or by many people That house still hasn't sold. / The houses in that neighbourhood aren't selling./ They hope the new version will sell better than the old one.
used to say how many copies of something have been sold Their first album sold more than a million copies.
to persuade someone to accept or approve of (sth or someone) He had a difficult time selling his theory to other scientists./ You will really have to sell yourself at the interview to get that job.
send - sent - sent
to cause (a letter, an e-mail, a package, etc.) to go or to be carried from one place or person to another I sent the letter/package/check to her. / I sent it to her by post./ Please fill out the form and send it back (to us). / Satellites receive signals in space and send them back to Earth.
to give (a message) to someone Please send my compliments to the chef. [=tell the chef that I enjoyed the food]/ Tell her that I send my love. [=tell her that I think of her in a loving way]/ When you write to him, please send him my very best wishes./ Send word to the others [=tell the others] that we'll be late.
to tell or cause (someone or sth) to go to a place He became ill and was sent home from school./ She sent the kids to bed immediately after supper./ He was sent to prison for armed robbery./ He sent me (to the store) for bread and milk./ The company sent me to the conference.
to make the arrangements and payments that allow (someone) to attend a school, camp, etc. They are able to send both their children to private school./ They sent their daughter to soccer camp during the summer./ They are sending their son (away/off) to military school.
to tell (someone or sth) to go to a particular person or place for treatment, help, information, etc. She sent him to the information desk./ The teacher sent the students to the dictionary for the meaning of the word./ My doctor sent me to a specialist.
to cause (someone or sth) to move in a particular direction or manner News of the strike sent stock prices down./ The surprise attack sent the enemy running./ The punch sent him to the floor./ He sent the ball into right field.
to put (someone) into a particular state or condition Her lectures often send students to sleep.
set - set - set
to put sth in a place or position Set your books (down) on the table./ We need to set some extra chairs around the table./ He set the ladder against the wall and walked away./ I remember setting my bag right here.
to cause the action of (a film, story, etc.) to happen in a certain place or during a certain time The play is set in Verona, Italy. / The novel is set in 1943./ a novel set during World War II ▪
to make sth ready to be used/ to put sth in a position to be used He turned off the car and set the parking brake./ Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear.
to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal Would you please set the table?/ We set an extra place at the table for our guest./ The table was set for two.
to cause (a clock) to show a particular time/ to cause the controls of (a clock or other device) to be in a particular position We set the clocks ahead one hour for daylight saving time./ The alarm was set for 7:00 a.m. / I set the timer for/to twenty minutes/ Set the oven to 350 degrees./ In the winter, she sets the thermostat at/to 68 degrees.
sew - sewed - sewed/ sewn
to make or repair sth (such as a piece of clothing) by using a needle and thread She sews her own dresses by hand./ He sewed a patch onto his sleeve./ I sewed the button back on the shirt./ The surgeon sewed the wound shut./ She designs her own dresses and sews in her free time.
shake - shook - shaken
to move sometimes violently back and forth or up and down with short, quick movements The ground shook during the earthquake./ The house shook as the train rumbled by.
to move or have parts of your body move in short, quick movements and in a way that you are not able to control His hand shook as he reached for the phone./ He was shaking with cold./ She was shaking with laughter as he told us the story./ I could see that he was shaking with anger/rage.
to cause (a belief, feeling, etc.) to become weaker The news did nothing to shake my belief that things will be okay./ Her confidence was badly shaken by the accident. / Nothing could shake his faith in God.
to cause (someone) to feel fear, anxiety, shock, etc. The whole town was shaken by the news.
to force sth out of sth by shaking He shook (out) the sand from his sandals.
shall - should - /
used to say that something is expected to happen in the future We shall arrive tomorrow evening./ I shall not mention it again/ Perhaps it will happen. We shall see.
used to ask for someone's opinion “Shall I call a taxi?”/ When shall we leave? / Shall we dance? / Let's dance, shall we?
used to give a command or to say that you will or will not allow something to happen You shall leave at once!/ They shall not pass.
shear - sheared/ shod - sheared/ shorn
to cut the hair, wool, etc., off (an animal) The farmers sheared the sheep.
to cut off a person's hair His long locks were shorn.
shed - shed - shed
to get rid of sth I've been trying to shed some extra pounds./ The company has had to shed many jobs./ She hasn't been able to shed her image as a troublemaker.
to lose (leaves, skin, fur, etc.) naturally Snakes shed their skin./ The dog is shedding its fur./ The trees are shedding their leaves.
to take off (sth you are wearing) He quickly shed his hat and coat.
to lose or drop (a load, cargo, etc.) The lorry shed its load.
to cause (water) to flow off instead of soaking into sth Raincoats shed water.
shine - shone - shone
to give off light The moon/stars shined brightly./ The sun was shining through the clouds./ lamps shining from the windows.
to have a smooth surface that reflects light He polished the silver until it shone.
to be very good or successful at an activity She found a sport where she can really shine.
to have a bright, glowing appearance Her face was shining with joy/excitement./ His eyes were shining.
to point (sth that produces light) in a particular direction Please shine the flashlight over here.
shoe - shoed/ shod - shoed/ shod
to put a horseshoe on (a horse) The blacksmith shod the horse./ The horse was taken to be shod.
shoot - shot - shot
to cause a bullet, arrow, etc., to move forward with great force from a weapon Does this gun shoot accurately?/ Don't shoot. I surrender./ He shot at the deer.
to wound or kill (a person or animal) with a bullet, arrow, etc., that is shot from a weapon He shot two deer this hunting season./ The police shot the suspect in the leg.
to go, move, or pass quickly and suddenly in a particular direction or to a particular place A cat shot across the street./ Sparks from the fire were shooting all over./ A sharp pain shot through her chest.
to kick, hit, or throw (a basketball, hockey puck, etc.) toward or into a goal She shot the ball from midfield.
to film or photograph sth The movie was shot in Australia./ The scene was shot in slow motion./ Where did you shoot this photo?
show - showed - showed/ shown
to cause or allow sth to be seen He showed her a picture./You have to show your tickets/passports at the gate./ You're the only person that I've shown this letter to./ Give them a chance to show (you) what they can do.
to give information that proves sth The study/research shows (that there is) a link between cigarettes and lung cancer./ The medication has been shown to reduce high blood pressure./ They showed the theory to be faulty.
to teach (someone) how to do or use sth especially by letting that person see you do or use it You will have to show me how to play the game./ He showed them a card trick./ Definitions tell you the meanings of words; examples show you how the words are used.
to lead (someone) to a place He showed us to our seats./ She showed them the way to the door.
to have an image or picture of (someone or sth) The postcard shows a sunset on the beach./ The photograph shows her as a young woman.
to give (information) in the form of numbers, pictures, etc. The thermostat showed 68 degrees./ The pie chart shows that 20 percent of the money is spent on supplies.
shrink - shrank - shrunk
to become smaller in amount, size, or value The sweater shrank when it was washed./ Meat shrinks as it cooks./ The town's population shrank during the war.
to quickly move away from sth shocking, frightening, or disgusting He shrank in horror when he saw the dead cat.
shut - shut - shut
to close sth Please shut the door/window/lid/drawer./ He shut his eyes and went to sleep./ She shut the book loudly./ I accidentally shut the door on her fingers.
to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time or forever The owner is shutting the pub for the weekend./ They plan to shut the factory by the end of the year./The restaurant shuts at 11.
sing - sang - sung
to use your voice to make musical sounds in the form of a song or tune She sings in the choir./ The children danced and sang./ She sings beautifully./ He sang softly to the baby./ She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.
to make pleasant sounds that sound like music Do you hear the birds singing?
sink - sank - sunk
to go down below the surface of water, mud, etc. The passengers were rescued from the boat before it sank./ She sank up to her knees in the snow.
to cause (a ship or boat) to go down below the surface of water The torpedo sank the ship.
to move down to a lower position The sun sank behind the hills./ He sank to his knees and prayed.
to become lower in amount, value, etc./ to decline or decrease The temperature sinks quickly after the sun sets./ The lake's water level is slowly sinking./ His strength is slowly sinking./ The company's stock sank after it announced that profits were less than expected./ The currency's value is sinking.
to use force to cause sth to go into the ground or another surface He sank the fence posts into the ground./ He sank the ax into the tree./ The nail was sunk all the way into the wall./ The cat sank its claws into my arm.
to begin to feel sad, depressed, etc. She sank into a deep depression.
sit - sat - sat
to be in a position in which your bottom is resting on a chair, the ground, etc., especially with your back upright He was sitting in a chair next to the window./ She sat across from me during dinner./ The children sat cross-legged on the floor playing a game./ Are you going to sit there and watch TV all day?
to be or stay in a particular place, position, or condition The limousine is sitting outside./ A vase sat on the table./ The sled sits unused in the garage during the summer.
to be a member of an official group that has meetings She sits on the board of directors.
to meet in order to carry on official business/ to hold a session The court is now sitting./ Parliament will sit for four months.
slay - slew - slain
to kill (someone or sth) especially in a battle or war The knight slew the dragon.
to kill (someone) - used especially in newspaper stories and headlines. The headline read “Three Slain in Bank Robbery.”
sleep - slept - slept
to rest your mind and body by closing your eyes and becoming unconscious I couldn't sleep last night. I was awake all night long./ I usually try to sleep for at least eight hours every night./ Did you sleep soundly/well last night?/ I slept badly/poorly./ We were sleeping peacefully when a sudden loud noise woke us up.
to have enough space for (a specified number of people) to sleep in it The tent sleeps five adults.
slide - slid - slid
to move smoothly along a surface The door slides open easily./ The firefighters slid down the pole to their trucks./ He slid the bottle across the table./ Slide your finger along the seam./ She slid the paper under the door.
to move over ice or snow smoothly and often in a way that cannot be controlled He slid across the ice./ Cars were slipping and sliding all over the roads during the snowstorm.
to slip and fall Her purse slid out of her hands./ The strap of her dress kept sliding down.
sling - slung - slung
to throw sth with a forceful sweeping motion She slung the bag over her shoulder./ The protesters started slinging stones at the police./ He was slung into jail for the night.
to hang sth loosely He slung a hammock between two trees./ His guitar was slung around his neck
slink - slunk - slunk
to move in a way that does not attract attention especially because you are embarrassed, afraid, or doing sth wrong I thought I saw someone slinking around outside./ He slinked away in shame.
slit - slit - slit
to make a long, narrow cut or opening in sth with a sharp object I slit the bag open at the top.
smell - smelled/ smelt - smelled/ smelt
the quality of a thing that you can sense with your nose the distinctive smell of onions/ the smell of her perfume
an unpleasant odour What is that smell?
the ability to notice or recognize odours/ the ability to smell things Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
an act of smelling something One smell of this perfume and you will fall in love with it.
smite - smote - smitten
(literary & old-fashioned) to hurt, kill, or punish (someone or sth) He vowed that he would smite his enemy.
to hit (someone or sth) very hard He smote the ball mightily.
sow - sowed - sowed/ sown
to plant seeds in an area of ground Every year we sow corn./ Farmers sowed the fields with corn. / We'll sow in the early spring.
to cause (fear, doubt, etc.) to affect many people Threats of war have sown fear in the region. / They have been deliberately attempting to sow discord.
speak - spoke - spoken
to talk to someone Have you two spoken since yesterday?/ She and I spoke this morning./ He never speaks at the meetings./ Without speaking, she walked from the room./ They were speaking in Japanese./ We need to speak to our son's teacher about his grades. / He spoke to the police through an interpreter./ They spoke to each other in a whisper.
to say words to express yourself in a particular way When I said you were my best friend, I was speaking sincerely./ Speaking personally, I don't think you should take the job.
to use your voice to say words He has laryngitis and can't speak./ You're speaking too fast/loudly./ She speaks with a Southern accent./ I was so surprised I could hardly speak.
to be willing to talk to someone after having a disagreement, fight, etc. They haven't spoken since the argument two years ago./ Are they still not speaking?/ He apologized, so I'm speaking with him again.
to use (a particular language) to talk to someone He can speak German and French./ English is widely spoken in many parts of the world./ We didn't know what language they were speaking.
to talk about sth formally to a group of people/ to make or give a speech She was asked to speak at the conference./ He has a talent for speaking to large audiences./ While most of the senators spoke against tax increases, one senator spoke in favour of them.
speed - speeded/ sped - speeded/ sped
to move fast A group of kids sped past us on their bikes./ They jumped in the car and sped/speeded away./ A car was speeding down/up the street.
to move (someone or sth) somewhere very quickly An ambulance sped her to the hospital.
to drive faster than the legal speed limit I got pulled over twice last month because I was speeding on the highway./ Don't speed.
to cause (an action, movement, process, etc.) to happen faster We kept the plants under artificial lights at night to speed their growth./ Is there anything we can do to speed the process (along)?
spell - spelled/ spelt - spelled/ spelt
to say, write, or print the letters of (a word or name) How do you spell your last name?/ You spelled “catastrophe” wrong./ “Foggy” is spelled with two g's.
to have or lead to (a particular result or effect) Her boss's resignation spelled the end to her troubles./ The amount of planning you do could spell the difference between success and failure./ Their carelessness could spell trouble/disaster for all of us.
spend - spent - spent
to use (money) to pay for sth I spent $30 on his birthday gift./ They spend a lot on clothes and cars./ I want to buy a new car, but I don't have much money to spend./ This computer wasn't cheap, but it was money well spent.
to allow (time) to pass in a particular place or while doing a particular activity I spent my summer at the beach./ She spent eight months living in New York City./ Relaxing with friends is a great way to spend a weekend./ Our cat spends most of his time sleeping./ Too much of my time is spent arguing with customers.
to use (energy or effort) to do sth She spends far too much energy worrying about her daughter./ I wish he spent as much (of his) effort/energy on studying as he does on video games./ Our energy/effort(s) would be better spent (in) solving the problem rather than just complaining about it.
spill - spilled/ spilt - spilled/ spilt
to cause or allow sth to fall, flow, or run over the edge of a container usually in an accidental way I accidentally spilled coffee all over my new suit./ Clean up the flour you spilled on the floor.
to fall or flow over the edge of a container Milk spilled (out) onto the table./ Water spilled over the dam./ The bag ripped open and the flour spilled (out) onto the floor.
to move or spread out into a wider place or area After the movie the crowd spilled (out) into/onto the street./ She opened the door and light spilled into the room.
spin - spun - spun
to turn or cause someone or something to turn around repeatedly The Earth spins on its axis once a day./ The car hit a patch of ice and spun into the wall./ He spun around and looked at me in surprise.
to seem to be moving around in a way that makes you feel dizzy or sick I tried to stand up but the room was spinning./ After the night of drinking, my head was spinning.
to draw out and twist fibers of cotton, wool, silk, etc., into yarn or thread She spun the silk into thread./ They spun the wool into yarn.
to form sth by producing a fluid that quickly hardens into a thread a spider spinning its web/ worms spinning silk
spit - spat - spat
to force saliva from your mouth She saw him spit on the sidewalk./ I scolded the child for spitting at another student./ He spit/spat in my face.
to force (sth, such as food or liquid) from your mouth He took a taste of the soup and quickly spat/spit it out./ She spit out her gum before class.
to say sth in a quick and angry way She spat a few nasty remarks at him as he left./ “You make me sick!” he spat.
to throw off or send out sth (such as sparks or drops of fat) especially while burning or cooking The meat was spitting in the pan./ The wet wood hissed and spat in the fireplace.
split - split - split
to break apart or into pieces especially along a straight line The board split in two./ The floorboards are starting to warp and split (up)./ The hull of the ship split apart on the rocks./ A large chunk of ice split off/away from the iceberg and crashed into the water./ She split the muffin and gave me half.
to separate or divide into parts or groups The class split into several small groups./ Two of the band members split off to form their own band.
to separate or divide into groups that disagree The party is split over/on the issue of taxes./ The church split into moderate and conservative factions.
to divide (sth, such as money or food) among two or more people or things We should split the costs./ Why don't we just split a pizza for dinner?/ She splits her time between Boston and New York.
to cut, rip, or tear sth especially along a straight line I split my lip when I fell./ He bent over and split the seat of his pants.
to end or cause the end of a relationship My parents split when I was little./ The band split up just after they released their new album./ Creative differences eventually split up the band.
spread - spread - spread
to open, arrange, or place sth over a large area The newspaper was spread across his lap./ Her notes were spread all over the desk./ Help me spread the cloth on the table.
to place (things) over a large area The seeds are spread by wind, birds, and animals.
to become larger or to affect a larger area/ to move into more places The fire spread quickly through the building./ The cancer has spread to her throat./ The use of computer technology has spread into all fields of work./ The odor spread throughout the room./ The plant will spread.
to move (parts of your body) outward or away from each other She spread her arms wide and hugged him./ The bird spreads its wings.
to appear and slowly grow more apparent A smile slowly spread across her face./ A look of disbelief spread across/over their faces.
to put a layer of sth on top of something else He spread butter on the bread./ She carefully spread the plaster over the hole./ Spread the glue evenly on the paper.
spring - sprang - sprung
to move or leap suddenly forward or upward The lion was waiting to spring./ The deer sprang up the path./ I sprang to my feet./ He sprang out of his seat and ran to the door.
to move quickly to a different position The lid sprang open/shut./ The branch sprang back and hit her./ The rope stretches and springs back into shape.
to help (someone) to get out of or escape from jail, prison, etc. He tried to spring his accomplice./ His lawyer managed to get him sprung from prison.
stand - stood - stood
to be in an upright position with all of your weight on your feet She was standing near the window./ He was standing next to me./ All of the seats on the bus were taken so we had to stand./ Don't just stand there - do something!
to be in a particular place or position A clock stood on the mantelpiece./ The mansion stands on a hill./ A row of trees stands between the two houses.
to have a particular belief or opinion about sth Where do you stand on the death penalty? Do you think it should be used or not?/ We still don't know where he stands on this issue./ She stands for/against the new regulations.
to be willing or able to accept (sth or someone unpleasant) without complaint Can you stand waiting a few more minutes?/ How can you stand her friends?/ He couldn't stand the pain./ His behavior was more than I could stand.
steal - stole - stolen
to take (sth that does not belong to you) in a way that is wrong or illegal They stole thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry from the store./ Someone stole my bicycle./ He discovered that his car had been stolen.
to take (sth that you are not supposed to have) without asking for permission I stole a cookie from the cookie jar.
to wrongly take and use (another person's idea, words, etc.) He stole my idea!
to persuade (someone who has been with someone else) to be with you especially by doing things that are unfair or dishonest He stole my girlfriend./ They stole our best pitcher away from our team.
to get (sth that is difficult to get) in usually a quick and often secret way I stole a nap this afternoon. / He stole a peek/look at the birthday cake./ He stole a glance at her before riding away./ She stole a kiss from him and ran away.
to come or go quietly or secretly They stole out of the room./ She stole away silently.
stick - stuck - stuck
to push (sth usually sharp or pointed) into sth He stuck a toothpick in/into the sandwich./ The jacket was too thick to stick a pin through./ The nurse stuck the needle into the patient's leg./ Stick these candles in the birthday cake.
to put (sth or someone) in a specified place He stuck the pencil behind his ear./ The dog stuck its head out the window./ She stuck the letter under the door./ She stuck her hand into the box and pulled out a piece of paper./ The librarian stuck the book back on its shelf./ The little girl stuck her fingers in the batter./ The photographer stuck the shorter people in the front row./The deer stuck its nose up in the air.
to attach sth to a surface with glue, tape, pins, etc. She stuck two stamps on the letter./ He stuck a note (up) on the door./ She stuck the pieces of wood together with glue.
to become difficult or impossible to move from a place or position The door's handle has a tendency to stick./ That door always sticks./ Her foot stuck in the mud./ A piece of food stuck in her throat.
sting - stung - stung
to hurt (someone) by piercing the skin with a sharp, pointed part that usually contains poison I got stung by a bee./ The jellyfish stung the swimmer./ The bees will sting if you bother them.
to cause a quick, sharp pain The cold rain stung my eyes.
to feel a quick sharp pain The smoke made our eyes sting.
to treat (someone) unfairly in a business deal He got stung on that deal.
stink - stank/ stunk - stunk
to have a very bad smell These dirty clothes stink./ Something stinks in here./ His clothes stank of dead fish.
to do something very poorly I stink at golf. [=I'm a very bad golfer]
to be very low in quality The movie stunk. [=the movie was very bad / The food is good at that restaurant, but the service stinks.
sth does not seem true or honest Something stinks about his story./ The whole project stinks of corruption.
strew - strewed - strewed/ strewn
to spread or scatter things over or on the ground or some other surface She strewed the birdseed on the ground./ He strewed fresh hay on the floors of the stable./ The children's toys were strewed all around the room./ The park was strewn with litter./ Her stories are strewn with clichés.
(literary) to lie on or cover sth Leaves strewed the ground.
stride - strode - stridden
to walk with very long steps She strode across the room towards me.
strike - struck - struck
to hit (someone or sth) in a forceful way The ship struck an iceberg./ The car struck the tree./ The bullet struck him in the leg./ The cyclist was struck by a car./ The tree was struck by lightning./ He fell and his head struck the pavement./ I could hear the rain striking the rooftop.
to attack someone or sth suddenly The snake was about to strike./ Police say that the killer may strike again.
to affect (someone or sth) suddenly in a bad way/ to cause damage, harm, illness, etc., to (someone or sth) The flu strikes millions of people each year./ A hurricane struck the island./ The city has been struck by a powerful earthquake.
to be thought of by (someone) suddenly/ to occur to (someone) It suddenly struck me that I would never see her again./ The answer just struck me.
to stop work in order to force an employer to agree to demands/ to refuse to work until your employer does what you want The teachers are threatening to strike./ The workers are striking for an increase in pay.
string - strung - strung
to put (things) together on a string, thread, chain, etc. We strung popcorn garlands for the Christmas tree.
to place or hang (things) in a line or series They strung wires from tree to tree./ We strung Christmas lights along the railing./ Scouts strung lanterns along the trail.
to tie, hang, or fasten sth with string She strung the key around her neck.
to attach strings to (sth, such as a musical instrument or tennis racket) You'll have to string your guitar/racket before you can play.
strive - strove - striven
to try very hard to do or achieve sth We must all strive to do better./ She always strives for perfection./ They strove for success./ They continue to strive toward their goals.
swear - swore - sworn
to state sth very strongly and sincerely I swear (that) I was there./ Her English is so good that you would swear she has been studying it for years./ You'd swear (that) the jewels are real./ I could have sworn that I left my keys on the counter.
to use offensive words when you speak Don't swear in front of the children./ The other driver swore at me and drove away.
sweep - swept - swept
to remove (sth, such as dust or dirt) from a surface with a broom or brush or with a quick movement of your hand, fingers, etc. He swept the dirt off the driveway./ He swept the crumbs from the table./ She swept the floor./ I need to sweep the kitchen.
o move or pass quickly, forcefully, or smoothly A storm swept across the plains./ Fires swept through the forest.
swell - swelled - swelled/ swollen
to become larger than normal Her broken ankle swelled badly./ The bee sting made my whole arm swell up.
to make (sth, such as a river) larger or more full than normal Heavy rains swelled the river.
to increase in size or number The population has swelled/swollen in recent years./ The economy is swelling at an annual rate of five percent./ Immigrants have swelled the population.
to become louder The music swelled.
to cause (sth, such as a sail) to stretch outward and become full The breeze swelled (out) the sails./The sails swelled (out) in the breeze.
to feel an emotion strongly His heart swelled with pride.
swim - swam - swum
to move through water by moving your arms and legs He's teaching the children to swim./ She swam across the pool./ I can't swim./ He swam (for) almost a mile.
to move through or across (an area of water) by swimming He swam the English Channel.
of a fish, bird - to move through or over water We watched the fish swimming in the river./ Ducks swam in/on the pond.
to be completely covered with a liquid The potatoes were swimming in butter/gravy.
to feel dizzy or unable to think clearly because you are sick, confused, etc. I felt weak and my head was swimming./ All the facts and figures he was reciting were starting to make my head swim.
of something you are looking at - to seem to be moving around because you are tired, sick, etc. The room swam before my eyes.
swing - swung - swung
to move backward and forward or from side to side while hanging from sth The sheets swung on the clothesline./ The clock's pendulum stopped swinging./ She sat on the edge of the table, swinging her legs./ She swung the bag by the handle.
to move with a smooth, curving motion The monkeys were swinging from branch to branch high up in the trees./ The door swung open/shut./ He swung himself (up) into the truck./ I swung my suitcase into the backseat of the car.
to change suddenly from one state or condition to another The game suddenly swung in favor of the home team./ His mood can swing wildly from cheerful to angry.
take - took - taken
to carry or move sth to a place She took her things to her room./ It looks like rain. You had better take an umbrella with you.
to carry and give sth to a person Take this note to your teacher, please.
to carry, move, or lead (someone) to a place This bus takes you downtown./ Her office is down that hallway. I can take you there, if you want me to./ He was taken to the hospital by ambulance./ If you're going to the store, would you mind taking me (along) with you?
to get sth/ to gain possession of sth Thieves took the painting from the museum several years ago./ That man took my purse!
to accept or receive sth as payment or as a response Do you take credit cards? / The restaurant took an enormous amount of money in its first week of business.
to allow (someone) to join a club, to attend a school, to become part of a relationship, etc. The school takes just 20 students a year./ The doctor's office is not taking any new patients.
teach - taught - taught
to cause or help (someone) to learn about a subject by giving lessons He enjoys teaching his students about history./ She no longer teaches./ He wants to teach. [=to be a teacher]/ She taught English for many years at the high school./ He teaches music/science./ I taught my dog to retrieve sticks. ▪ She taught me (how) to ride a bike.
to show someone how to behave, think, etc. The church teaches compassion and forgiveness./ Someone needs to teach her right and wrong./ The experience taught us that money doesn't mean everything.
: to cause (someone) to know the unpleasant results of sth Her injury will teach her not to be so careless with a knife./ He got the punishment he deserved. That'll teach him to lie to me./ That will teach her a lesson.
tear - tore - torn
to separate sth into parts by pulling it, cutting it, etc./ to rip, split, or open sth quickly or violently He tore the letter in half./ They began tearing their presents open.
to make (a hole, a path) in a violent or forceful way The explosion tore a hole in the side of the building. / The new evidence could tear a hole in their theory.
to cut or injure (skin, a muscle, etc.) When she fell, she tore the skin on her elbow.
to remove sth quickly or violently She tore the book out of my hands./ He tore the page out of the magazine./ He tore off a piece of bread and ate it.
tell - told - told
to say or write sth to someone He told us the story./ Has she told you the good news, yet?/ Please tell us your name./ She looked at the palm of my hand and told me my fortune./ I promise not to tell anyone your secret./ I didn't get a chance to tell him goodbye./ If you see her, tell her hello for me./ “I feel sick,” he told his mom.
to give information to (someone) by speaking or writing “What is his name?” “I don't know. He didn't tell me.”/ Be sure to tell me when they get here.
to give (someone) an instruction or command Be quiet and do what I tell you./ The police officer told him to stop./ I was told to stay here./ I'll tell them to meet us there at 6 o'clock./ I told myself to pick up some milk on the way home, but I forgot to do it.
to make sth known to someone The expressions on their faces told me everything I needed to know./ The evidence tells us that there were two robbers./ The signs will tell you what exit to take off the highway.
think - thought - thought
to believe that sth is true, that a particular situation exists, that sth will happen, etc. I thought I heard your voice./ She thinks she knows the answer./ I think you can do it./ Did you really/honestly think I would agree with you?/ I never thought I would become a teacher.
to have an opinion about someone or sth It's hot in here, don't you think?/ People think he is one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time./ I think he should apologize./ I thought (that) the movie was excellent./ He thinks (that) he is a good writer.
to form or have (a particular thought) in your mind “He's handsome,” she thought to herself./ You should relax and try to think pleasant thoughts./ I was just thinking what it would be like to be a doctor.
to use your mind to understand or decide sth Think before you answer the question./ The game teaches students how to think./ Let me think. Where did I see your car keys?/ We thought long and hard about it before we reached our decision./ Don't disturb him: he's thinking.
to remember sth Can you think where you put it?/ She was trying to think where she had heard that name before.
thrive - thrived/ throve - thrived/ thriven
to grow or develop successfully/ to flourish or succeed Business is thriving./ The region thrived under his rule./ plants that thrive in the desert
throw - threw - thrown
to cause sth to move out of your hand and through the air by quickly moving your arm forward She threw the ball to first base./ Throw me the car keys./ Let's see how far you can throw.
to put sth in a particular place in a careless or forceful way She threw her coat on the bed./ Don't throw your trash on the ground. Throw it in the trash can./ He threw (down) the newspaper on the table in disgust.
to cause (someone or sth) to move suddenly or forcefully to or away from a particular place The wrestler threw his opponent to the mat./ The crash threw the driver from the car./ She was thrown from the horse./ The storm threw the boat against a reef.
to cause or force (someone or sth) to suddenly be in a particular state, condition, or position The discovery threw the previous theory into (a state of) doubt./ They arrested him and threw him in/into prison./ She was thrown into a very difficult situation.
to forcefully move (yourself or a part of your body) in a particular direction They threw their arms around each other./ She threw herself into his arms./ She threw back her head in laughter.
thrust - thrust - thrust
to push (someone or sth) with force/ shove He thrust his hands into his pockets./ He thrust his fist into the air./ She thrust him aside and walked past him./ He thrust his way through the crowd./ Her best-selling book suddenly thrust her into the spotlight./ He thrust all caution aside./ She's unable to thrust aside those memories.
to cause (something sharp) to enter or go through sth else by pushing The doctor thrust the needle into the patient's arm.
to make a sudden, strong, forward movement at someone or sth with a weapon He thrust at me with his sword.
tread - trod - trodden/ trod
to walk They slowly trod back to the camp./ Don't tread on the grass.
to walk on or along sth The company is treading a fine line between tradition and innovation.
to form (a path) by walking Countless footsteps have trodden a path to their door.
to crush or press sth with your feet Don't tread dirt into the carpet.
understand - understood - understood
to know the meaning of (sth, such as the words that someone is saying or a language)/ comprehend Do you understand English?/ “Did you understand what he said?”/ I can't understand a word you're saying./ I don't understand these directions./ I didn't understand what you told me.
to know how sth works or happens They understand local politics./ I don't understand how this is supposed to work./ He doesn't really understand the situation./ You should read the book in order to understand more about the subject./ I can't understand why she would do such a thing.
to know how (someone) thinks, feels, or behaves I understand [=know] him well enough to know that he won't want to go./ She understands children./ At first we didn't get along, but I think we understand each other now.
to think or believe sth She was given to understand that the job was hers./ I understand that they will arrive today./ As I understand it, this has been a problem for several years./ I understand that some doctors disagree./ He understood that he would be paid for the work.
undertake - undertook - undertaken
to begin or attempt sth undertake a task/journey/ He's undertaking a thorough search./ The researchers undertook a series of studies.
to agree or promise to do sth He undertook to raise his sister's child./ The company undertook to end the strike.
wake - waked/ woke - waked/ woken
to cause (a person or animal) to be awake after sleeping The sound of children shouting woke me./ Don't hesitate to wake me up if you need anything at all.
to stop sleeping/ to become awake after sleeping She can never remember her dreams upon waking./ I woke up late for work this morning./ He had woken up with a headache.
wear - wore - worn
to use or have sth as clothing/ to have (a shirt, pants, etc.) over part of your body He was wearing blue jeans./ She wore a red blouse to work./ White coats are often worn by doctors.
to use or have sth on your body I don't wear glasses./ He doesn't wear a watch./ Are you wearing perfume?/ Were you wearing a seat belt?
to grow or arrange (your hair) in a particular way She wears her hair in a ponytail./ I used to wear my hair long./ He wears a beard now.
to have or show (sth, such as an emotion or facial expression) especially on your face The teacher was wearing a frown/smile.
to cause sth to become thinner, weaker, etc., because of continued use over time The carpet was badly worn in some areas.
to cause sth to form gradually because of use He wore a hole in his pants./ A path had been worn into the grass.
weave - wove - woven
to make sth (such as cloth) by crossing threads or other long pieces of material over and under each other She weaves cloth on her loom./ He wove a basket (from the branches)./ She spins and weaves.
to create sth (such as a story) by combining different things in usually a complicated way The author has woven an exciting tale of adventure and romance./ She wove episodes from many sources into a single narrative./ The musicians wove together a beautiful and complex melody.
to create (a web)/ spin a spider weaving its web
(weaved) to move from side to side while going forward especially in order to avoid the people or things that are in front of you The car was weaving in and out of traffic./ She weaved through the defenders and scored a goal./ He weaved his way through the crowd.
weep - wept - wept
to cry because you are very sad or are feeling some other strong emotion He wept at the news of her death./ She sat down and wept./ He wept with joy/relief./ He wept bitter tears of disappointment.
to produce a liquid slowly The wound was weeping pus./ a weeping wound/ The meringue will weep if you put it in the fridge.
wet - wetted/wet - wetted/ wet
to cause sth to become wet I wet/wetted a sponge under the faucet./ Avoid wetting the leaves when you water the plant./ The morning dew had wet/wetted his shoes./ In the early evening, she wets down the grass with a hose.
will - would - x
used to say that sth is expected to happen in the future We will leave tomorrow./ I will be there in fifteen minutes./ Tomorrow will be partly cloudy and cool./ What do you think will happen?/ Who do you think will win?
used to say that you want sth I will have a hamburger and fries./ “Will you have another cup of tea?” “Yes, I will, thank you.”
used to say that you are willing to do sth Yes, I will marry you./ The doctor will see you now./ “Will you help him?” “No, I most certainly will not!”/ No one would do it.
win - won - won
to achieve victory in a fight, contest, game, etc. The boxer won the match by knockout./ They won the battle/war./ She won the election./ He won't give up until he's won the argument.
to get (sth, such as a prize) by achieving victory in a fight, contest, game, etc. She won a tennis trophy./ Her book won the Pulitzer Prize.
to get sth by effort She won praise for her hard work./ His perseverance won him the job of his dreams.
to persuade (someone) to like you or to choose you She won the voters with her warm sense of humor./ He broke up with his girlfriend but he's determined to win her back.
wind - wound - wound
to follow a series of curves and turns The river winds through the valley./ winding lanes/roads/streets/ The river winds its way through the valley.
to wrap (sth, such as a string) around sth He wound more twine around the box./ wind thread on a spool/ She wound the scarf around her neck./ The machine winds the tape from one reel to the other.
to turn a knob, handle, etc., several times on sth (such as a clock) so that it can work wind a clock/ Her watch needs to be wound once a year./ To start the old car, you have to wind the crank./ wind up a toy train
wring - wrung - wrung
to twist and squeeze (wet cloth, hair, etc.) to remove water I wrung the towel and hung it up to dry./ I wrung my hair and wrapped it in a towel./ The rag was wrung dry./ I wrung out my wet bathing suit./ She has been wrung dry by bills.
to get sth out of someone or sth with a lot of effort They tried to wring every last dollar of profit out of the failing company./ I finally managed to wring an apology from her.
to twist and break (an animal's neck) in order to kill the animal wring a chicken's neck
write - wrote - written
to form letters or numbers on a surface with a pen, pencil, etc. children learning to read and write/ I don't have anything to write with. Could I borrow a pen?/ Please write your name at the top of each sheet.
to create (a book, poem, story) by writing words on paper, on a computer She wrote hundreds of poems during her lifetime./ She wrote an essay comparing two poems./ I'm writing an article for the school newspaper./ He has written several best sellers.
to create (a piece of music) He has written five symphonies and six concertos./ a performer who writes her own songs
to create (a computer program) I wrote a program to keep track of my finances.
to do the work of writing books, news articles, stories/ to be a writer He writes for the New York Times./ I've been writing for 20 years.