As you anticipate the latest release from your favorite author, do you ever wonder how many new vocabulary words you’ll learn from him or her? The more you read, the more words you'll learn. A nice way to accelerate your language is to keep a list of interesting vocabulary words at hand. Every time you pick up a new word, add it to your ever-growing list and organize it in alphabetical order. To get started, take a look at these 50 verbs that start with "a."
What Is a Verb?
Verbs express action or a state of being. Every English sentence has at least one verb. They usually (but not always) come after the subject of the sentence and before its object. Consider this sentence: "Adam and Amy adopt a new puppy every year." In this sentence, "Adam and Amy" make up the subject, "adopt" is the verb showing action, and "puppy" is the object receiving the action of the verb.
50 Verbs Starting With A
Are you ready to acquire some new "a" verbs? This list of 50 verbs that start with "a" will allow you to add some new action words to your vocabulary. In turn, you can use them to advance your writing and conversations!
| Verb | Definition |
abandon |
to leave something behind |
abase |
to make someone lower, by humiliation or demotion |
abate |
to become less or lower in amount or force than at a prior time |
abbreviate |
to use a shortened form of something to represent the full form |
abduct |
to illegally take away a person by using force or coercion |
abolish |
to destroy, get rid of, or stop something |
absorb |
to soak up |
accept |
to willingly take, receive, or agree to an object or idea |
accuse |
to say another person is at fault for doing something wrong |
act |
to do something; to engage in a behavior |
adjust |
to change something to a better fit or to be more suitable |
admire |
to regard someone or something with delight and approval |
adopt |
to decide to use; to make something yours |
adore |
to love very much |
advise |
to offer input about what should be done |
affect |
to produce a change in something |
afford |
to supply or provide something; to be able to buy something |
agree |
to have the same opinion or views |
aim |
to point or direct with a particular goal in mind |
allow |
to permit or to give permission |
alter |
to make something different without completely changing it |
amend |
to modify or alter something, often for the better |
amuse |
to behave in a way that is entertaining |
analyze |
to examine something in a methodical manner |
announce |
to make something publicly known |
annoy |
to irritate or disturb |
answer |
to give a response to a question |
anticipate |
to expect something to happen in the future |
appeal |
to make an urgent request for something necessary or desired |
appear |
to seem or look a certain way |
applaud |
to clap one's hands to show approval or praise |
apply |
to make a formal request; to put something into use |
appoint |
to choose an individual for a position or office |
approach |
to move close to something |
approve |
to sanction something |
argue |
to engage in verbal disagreement |
arrive |
to show up for something or to reach a destination |
ask |
to inquire about something in order to get an answer, response, or action |
aspire |
to work toward a goal you strongly want to reach |
assault |
to threaten or make a physical attack |
assert |
to state something in a confident manner |
assign |
to designate responsibility or purpose |
assist |
to provide help |
assume |
to believe something to be true without seeking proof |
assure |
to verify or provide reassurance |
attach |
to fasten an item to another item |
attempt |
to make an effort to do something |
attend |
to be present at something |
avert |
to keep something from happening |
avoid |
to shun, to stay away from or prevent |
Exploring Different Types of Verbs
There are more action verbs than any other kind of verb. Sometimes referred to as dynamic verbs, action verbs express the action of a sentence. There are many examples of action verbs in the English language. Action verbs get even more interesting when you consider the difference between regular and irregular verbs.
- Most action verbs are regular verbs, which means that they can be changed change from present tense to past tense with the simple addition of -ed at the end. For example, "I don’t approve of Harold, and I never approved of Daniel."
- There are also quite a few examples of irregular verbs in the English language. These verbs live by their own set of rules. In fact, there's no rhyme or reason to the shape-shifting manner by which they change tense. For example: "I usually awake at dawn but, today, I awoke at noon."
The English language also features linking verbs and helping verbs. Linking verbs simply link the subject to more information, such as a description of the subject. Helping verbs provide additional information about the main verb of a sentence. There's a lot to learn about types, tenses and usage of verbs.
11 Example Sentences With A-Verbs
Are you ready to see these "a" verbs in action? Check out the sample sentences below to get an idea of how these words that start with "a" can be used in writing. Then, come up with a plan to add them to your next work.
- I never wanted to abandon my house in London.
- Will you accept my apology?
- We must adjust our timeline if we’re going to make it on time.
- Let’s agree to disagree.
- Would you like me to announce your arrival?
- I’m going to anticipate nothing but rainbows and sunshine.
- It’s time to appoint him as chairman.
- Mom said we’re never to assume anything when it comes to him.
- Our professor loves to assign exciting projects.
- Do you know how to attach a hitch to a car?
- Be sure to abandon anyone who attempts to abase your writing skills without offering constructive criticism.
Applaud Every Attempt
It's important to applaud every attempt you make to sit down and write! Having an extensive vocabulary list by your side might be just the thing that keeps writer’s block at bay. Did any of these verbs that start with "a" jump out at you? Add them to a customizable list of words that start with "a" on WordFinder by YourDictionary. You'll have an extensive collection of "a" words at your fingertips in no time at all! From there, explore the next letter in the alphabet! Start by scrolling through this list of 50 verbs that start with "b," then keep moving forward one letter at a time.