How many sentences can you construct without a verb? The pickings are slim. Verbs are necessary to propel the subject of the sentence forward into action or lead readers to further information. If you're ready to build your verb vocabulary, it's time to talk about 50 verbs that start with "t."
50 Verbs Starting With T
There are verbs that begin with every letter of the alphabet. The letter "t" is no exception! Below, you'll find 50 of the most commonly used "t" verbs. A definition is provided for each verb, along with several synonyms to think about.
Verb | Definition | Synonyms |
tack | to attach | pin, tie, nail |
tackle | to deal with a problem or issue | work through, handle, take care of |
tailor | to make something to particular specifications | fit, customize, adjust |
take | to bring something into your possession | seize, appropriate, acquire |
talk | to speak | articulate, express, verbalize |
tally | to add up | catalog, total, itemize |
tame | to work with an animal to domesticate it | train, break-in, habituate |
tap | to strike gently and quickly | pat, rap, ping |
target | to direct something at something or someone in particular | mark, aim, earmark |
teach | to educate | instruct, impart knowledge, enlighten |
tear | to pull or force something apart | rend, rip, split |
tell | to communicate in words | verbalize, speak, state |
tempt | to lure | entice, bait, coax |
tend | to have a certain characteristic | incline, be predisposed, gravitate |
terminate | to stop | end, adjourn, cease |
test | to administer an exam or conduct a study | examine, quiz, investigate |
thank | to express gratitude or appreciation | appreciate, praise, show gratitude |
thicken | to make something more dense | coagulate, congeal, solidify |
think | to come up with an idea or belief about something | cogitate, reason, deliberate |
threaten | to pose danger | intimidate, menace, frighten |
thrill | to excite | inspire, animate, rouse |
thrive | to do well | blossom, burgeon, flourish |
throw | to toss something in the air | cast, catapult, hurl |
tie | to fasten two or more things together | bind, attach, connect |
tighten | to constrict | bind, clench, squeeze |
tilt | to tip or slope in one direction | cant, incline, lean |
tire | to exhaust | bore, drain, weaken |
tolerate | to allow | abide, accept, condone |
top | to exceed, surpass or do better | improve, beat, exceed |
toss | to throw lightly | chuck, fling, propel |
touch | to use your hand to feel or move | contact, graze, pat |
tow | to pull | drag, draw, haul |
trace | to copy something by following along | go over, copy, reproduce |
trade | to exchange something | barter, swap, switch |
train | to guide, coach, or instruct | instruct, tutor, enlighten |
transfer | to move, carry, or transport | convey, shift, carry |
transform | to change something into something else | metamorphose, convert, transmute |
translate | to convert from one language to another | interpret, convert, decipher |
transmit | to transfer from one place to another | send, dispatch, move |
transport | to move from one place to another | relocate, convey, carry |
trap | to catch someone or something | ensnare, confine, pin down |
travel | to go to a different location | journey, tour, explore |
treat | to provide medical help | heal, assist, prescribe |
trigger | to cause | activate, initiate, provoke |
trim | to remove or cut back | prune, shave, lop |
trust | to believe in someone or something | have confidence, rely on, count on |
try | to make an effort to do something | endeavor, undertake, attempt |
tune | to adjust or adapt a condition | attune, harmonize, modulate |
turn | to rotate in a circle | revolve, spin, move in a circle |
tweak | to make small adjustments | modify, change, alter slightly |
Types of Verbs: 3 Terrific Types
Given their prominence in the English language, it's important to know about different types of verbs. The verbs listed above are action words that demonstrate the action of the sentences in which they appear. However, action verbs aren't the only kind of verb. There are also helping and linking verbs.
- action verb - The most common type of verb is an action verb. These are verbs that highlight things you can do. When you test for a scholarship program, you are engaged in the action of taking a test. If someone were to threaten you, that person would be doing something specific.
- helping verb - Another common form is the helping verb. These assist the main verb by extending its meaning. Using an example from the above list, if we said, "Tyler is transferring the trust fund," "is" is the helping verb to the main (action) verb "transferring."
- linking verb - The English language also has linking verbs. These verbs connect the subject of the sentence to more information but don't demonstrate action. The "to be" verbs (am, is, are, were) are linking verbs. An example would be, "Tommy was tired on Sunday." Here, "was" is the linking verb. It's connecting the subject (Tommy) to an adjective (tired) that describes his state of being.
Take in 10 Targeted Example Sentences
You're not having much luck coming up with sentences that don't have verbs, are you? That's because even simple sentences follow the same basic format: subject + verb + direct object. In the sentence, "Thomas travels to Tasmania often," "Thomas" is the subject, "travels" is the verb, and "Tasmania" is the direct object. Care to carry on with this "t" verb topic? Explore 10 sample sentences using verbs that start with "t."
- Can you tack this job posting on the board?
- Will he tailor the pants for me?
- Unfortunately, she has decided to target you with her wrath.
- I can't wait for him to teach me how to paint.
- Did you seriously just tear your pants?
- We decided to terminate our contract with that Internet provider.
- These plants are going to thrive in this environment.
- Come over here and touch this fabric.
- Where shall we travel to next?
- What does their company transport?
Tasteful T-Verbs
Verbs that start with "t" can add a tasteful flair to your next short story, poem, or essay. In fact, using strong verbs in your writing will help you clarify the meaning behind your thoughts and words. To keep adding verbs to your vocabulary, move on to verbs that begin with "u." Then, when you're ready to turn your attention to other parts of speech, take a look at the extensive list of words that start with "t" on WordFinder by YourDictionary. Soon you'll be on your way to building a well-rounded vocabulary of "t" terms and beyond.