Top 11 Essential English Verbs to Help You Build Confidence

This post is designed for Beginner English second language learners especially from Mozambique who want to learn essential English verbs. The verbs discussed here are high-frequency action words and form the backbone of everyday communication. The lessons focus on present tense and include mini definition, forms of the verbs and example of use in context. They also include mini speaking practices, forms of the verbs and quick tips.

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On this post:

• Verb TO BE ( Ser & Estar)
• Verb TO HAVE ( Ter )
• Verb TO DO ( Fazer / Executar )
• Verb TO MAKE ( Fazer / Criar )
• Verb TO GO ( Ir )
• Verb TO COME ( Vir )
• Verb TO SPEAK ( Falar )
• Verb TO WORK ( Trabalhar )
• Verb TO STUDY ( Estudar)
• Verb TO TRAVEL ( VIajar )
• Verb TO BUY ( Comprar )

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 1- Verb TO BE

The verb “be” is the backbone of English—it’s used to describe identity, feelings, location, time, and so much more. It’s important for unlocking your everyday communication.

Note: The examples on each lesson are tailored for Mozambican context

What does “be” mean?

The verb “be” helps us:

• Say who or what someone is
• Describe feelings or conditions
• Talk about time, place, and identity

Forms of “Be” in the Present

✅ Use am, is, or are depending on the subject
✅ Follow with a noun, adjective, or location

Practice this with vocabulary to talk about neighborhood.

Basic English Verbs: Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I am from Zambézia.
• She is a teacher in Gaza.
• He is at the market.
• We are ready to learn.
• They are in the classroom.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “be”:

1. I ___ a student.
2. She ___ from Niassa.
3. We ___ happy today.
4. You ___ in the classroom.
5. They ___ ready to begin.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Basic English Verbs: Quick Tips

• Use am only with “I”
• Use is with he, she, it
• Use are with you, we, they
• To ask questions, switch the order: “Are you ready?”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I am a student.”
“You are in Gurúè.”
“She is happy.”
“We are learning English.”
“Are you ready?”

The verb “have” is one of the most essential frequently used verbs in everyday English. It’s practical, versatile, and essential foundational for you as a beginner learner.

Essential English Verbs for Beginners: Lesson 2 – Verb TO HAVE

What does “have” mean?

Have is used to:

• Show possession (I have a book)
• Talk about relationships (She has a brother)
• Describe experiences (We have a problem)
• Form perfect tenses (I have eaten) → for later lessons

Forms of “Have” in the Present

✅ Use have with plural and “I/you”
✅ Use has with singular third person (he, she, it)

Learn how to fix common English verb mistakes here

Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I have a bicycle.
• She has a stall (banca or barraca) at the market.
• We have English class today.
• They have fresh bread every morning.

Stall: banca ou barraca in Mozambican context. To learn themed vocabulary visit the article: Start here.

Basic English Verbs: Practice

Fill in the blanks with “have” or “has”:

1. I ___ a new notebook.
2. He ___ a radio.
3. We ___ English homework.
4. She ___ a baby.
5. They ___ a house in Songo.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Basic English Verbs: Quick Tips

• Use have with “I, you, we, they”
• Use has with “he, she, it”
• To ask questions, use Do/Does: “Does she have a phone?”
• To say no, use don’t/doesn’t: “He doesn’t have a book.”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I have a bicycle.”
“She has a baby.”
“Do you have a pen?”
“We have English class.”
“He doesn’t have a radio.”

The verb “do”, is one of the most flexible essential and frequently used verbs in English. It’s vital for asking questions, talking about actions, and forming negatives.Awesome for beginners.

Essential English Verbs for Beginners: Lesson 3 – Verb TO DO (Fazer / Executar)

What does “do” mean?

Do means “Fazer” ( Para acções, tarefas, trabalhos ou actividades) rotineira

It is used to:

• Talk about actions (I do my homework)
• Form questions (Do you speak English?)
• Make negative sentences (I don’t like sugar)

Forms of “Do” in the Present

✅ Use do with plural and “I/you”
✅ Use does with singular third person (he, she, it)

️Examples in Context

“Xima”: a thick Mozambican meal made by cooking maize flour

Mozambican Context

• I do my chores before school.
• She does the cooking at home.
• Do you sell fruits at the market?
• We don’t have electricity today.

️Essential English Verbs for Beginners: Practice

Fill in the blanks with “do” or “does”:

1. I ___ my homework every day.
2. He ___ not like spicy food.
3. ___ you live in Gurúè?
4. She ___ the laundry on Sundays.
5. We ___ not speak French.

Translation: spicy food –  Comida picante; do laundry – lavar roupa

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips

• Use do with “I, you, we, they”
• Use does with “he, she, it”
• To ask questions, start with Do/Does
• To say no, use don’t/doesn’t

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I do my homework.”
“She does the cooking.”
“Do you live in Gurúè?”
“He doesn’t eat meat.”
“We don’t have class today.”

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 4 – Verb TO MAKE (Fazer / Criar)

The verb “make”, is a high-frequency action verb that empowers learners to describe creation, preparation, and results. It’s practical, essential, expressive, and perfect for you to build English fluency as a beginner learner.

What does “make” mean?

Make: Criar (construir ou produzir algo novo)

Make is used to:

• Create or produce something (I make bread)
• Cause something to happen (This makes me happy)
• Prepare food or objects (She makes meals)
• Form expressions and decisions (Make a choice, make a mistake)

Structure

Subject + make/makes + object

✅ Use make with plural and “I/you”
✅ Use makes with singular third person (he, she, it)

Basic English Verbs: Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I make dinner for my family.
• She makes salad with fresh leaves.
• We make crafts for the school event.
• They make music in the village.

Translation: Crafts: OfÍcios

Practice

Fill in the blanks with “make” or “makes”:

1. I ___ tea every morning.
2. She ___ beautiful capulanas.
3. We ___ mistakes sometimes.
4. He ___ baskets and sell them at the market .
5. They ___ noise during break time.

Do this kind of exercise. It’s really essential for practicing English Verbs as a Beginner.

Translation: Capulanas – Wrap   In Mozambican context it’s traditionally worn by women. Beyond clothing, capulanas are used in ceremonies, home decor, and even storytelling through their patterns

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Basic English Verbs: Quick Tips

• Use make for things you create or prepare
• Use makes with “he, she, it”
• Use make in expressions: “make a mistake,” “make a plan,” “make a friend”
• To ask questions, use Do/Does: “Does she make xima?”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I make xima every day.”
“She makes matapa for lunch.”
“Do you make crafts?”
“He doesn’t make mistakes.”
“We make music together.”

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 5 – Verb TO GO

The verb “go”, is one of the most practical and movement-based verbs in everyday English. It’s perfect and essential for you as a beginner learner to talk about travel, routine, and direction with confidence.

What does “go” mean?

Go is used to:

• Talk about movement or travel (I go to school)
• Describe routines or destinations (She goes to school)
• Express changes or transitions (It goes from hot to cold)

Forms of “Go” in the Present

✅ Use go with plural and “I / you”
✅ Use goes with singular third person (he, she, it)

Check also common English mistakes and learn how to fix them

Basic English Verbs: Examples in Context

Basic English Verbs: Mozambican Context

• I go to the market every Saturday.
• He goes to church in the morning.
• We go to Nampula by bus.
• They go home after class.

️Practice

Fill in the blanks with “go” or “goes”:

1. I ___ to school at 7:00.
2. She ___ to the shop for milk.
3. We ___ to the beach in summer.
4. He ___ to work by bicycle.
5. They ___ to the farm on weekends.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips

• Use go with “I, you, we, they”
• Use goes with “he, she, it”
• To ask questions, use Do/Does: “Does she go to church?”
• To say no, use don’t/doesn’t: “He doesn’t go to school.”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I go to school every day.”
“She goes to the market.”
“Do you go to church?”
“We go to Beira by bus.”
“He doesn’t go to the shop.”

For further practice, use “Go” with home and work vocabulary

Essential English verbs for beginners: Lesson 6 – Verb TO COME

The verb “come”, is a high-frequency movement English verb that helps learners describe arrival, invitation, and direction. It’s simple, expressive, and essential for everyday contexts. For you as a beginner

What does “come” mean?

Come is used to:

• Talk about arriving or approaching (I come to school)
• Invite someone to join (Come with me)
• Describe movement toward the speaker or place (She comes here every day)

Forms of “Come” in the Present

✅ Use come with “I, you, we, they”
✅ Use comes with “he, she, it”

Basic English Verbs: Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I come to Quamba by train.
• He comes to the work every day.
• We come to church together.
• They come home after school.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with “come” or “comes”:

1. I ___ to school early.
2. She ___ to the shop for milk.
3. We ___ to the market on weekends.
4. He ___ to class every day.
5. They ___ to the farm in the morning.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips

• Use come when someone moves toward you or your location
• Use comes with “he, she, it”
• To ask questions, use Do/Does: “Does she come to church?”
• To say no, use don’t/doesn’t: “He doesn’t come on Sundays.”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I come to school every day.”
“She comes to the market.”
“Do you come to church?”
“We come to Gurúè by bus.”
“He doesn’t come on Sundays.”

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 7 – Verb TO SPEAK

The verb “speak is one of the essential English verbs for beginners”. It’s a powerful tool for communication, confidence, and connection. It’s especially relevant for you for building fluency in English and expressing yourself clearly. See here the vocabulary for expressing yourself in English.

What does “speak” mean?

Speak is used to:

• Talk or say words aloud
• Communicate in a language
• Express ideas or feelings verbally

Forms of “Speak” in the Present

✅ Use speak with “I, you, we, they”
✅ Use speaks with “he, she, it”

Examples in Context

Basic English Verbs: Mozambican Context

• I speak Portuguese at home and English at school.
• He speaks Sena with his family.
• We speak to the pastor after church.
• They speak loudly in the classroom.

️Practice

Fill in the blanks with “speak” or “speaks”:

1. I ___ English and Portuguese.
2. She ___ very fast.
3. We ___ to our parents every day.
4. He ___ to the teacher politely.
5. They ___ different languages.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips

• Use speak for languages and formal communication
• Use talk for casual conversation
• Use Do/Does to ask questions: “Does she speak English?”
• Use don’t/doesn’t to say no: “He doesn’t speak loudly.”

Common English mistakes. See how to fix them.

Basic English Verbs: Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I speak English and Portuguese.”
“She speaks clearly.”
“Do you speak Sena?”
“We speak to the teacher.”
“He doesn’t speak loudly.”

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 8 – Verb TO WORK

The verb “work”, is a practical and empowering verb for everyday life. It’s ideal for you to talk about jobs, effort, school, and routines with clarity and confidence. So as a beginner this is one of the most essential English Verbs you need to master.

What does “work” mean?

Work is used to:

• Do a job or task (I work at a school)
• Put in effort or energy (We work hard)
• Function or operate (The radio works well)

Forms of “Work” in the Present

✅ Use work with “I, you, we, they”
✅ Use works with “he, she, it”

Example in Context

Mozambican Context

• I work at the school in Gurúè.
• She works in the market selling beans.
• We work together on the farm.
• He works as a bus driver.

️Basic English Verbs: Practice

Fill in the blanks with “work” or “works”:

1. I ___ in a clinic.
2. She ___ with her mother at the market.
3. We ___ from Monday to Friday.
4. He ___ very early in the morning.
5. They ___ in the fields during harvest.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips Based on Basic English Verbs

• Use work for jobs, school, and effort
• Use works with “he, she, it”
• Use Do/Does to ask questions: “Does she work at the market?”
• Use don’t/doesn’t to say no: “He doesn’t work today.”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I work at the school.”
“She works in the market.”
“Do you work on Saturdays?”
“We work together.”
“He doesn’t work today.”

Essential English Verbs for Beginners: Lesson 9 – Verb TO STUDY

The verb “study” is a core essential English verb for learners, teachers, and anyone building knowledge. It’s especially relevant for students and educators working toward academic and personal growth. As a beginner you should practice it..

What does “study” mean?

Study is used to:

• Learn or review information (I study English)
• Prepare for exams or tests (She studies every night)
• Focus on a subject or topic (We study science at school)

Forms of “Study” in the Present

✅ Use study with “I, you, we, they”
✅ Use studies with “he, she, it”
✅ Drop the “y” and add “-ies” for third person singular

Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I study Portuguese and English at school.
• He studies accounting in Quelimane.
• We study under the mango tree when it’s hot.
• They study for exams in November.

Basic English Verbs Practice

Fill in the blanks with “study” or “studies”:

1. I ___ English every morning.
2. She ___ at the library.
3. We ___ together before tests.
4. He ___ law at university.
5. They ___ hard to pass.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips

• Use study for school, exams, and learning
• Use studies with “he, she, it”
• Use Do/Does to ask questions: “Does she study English?”
• Use don’t/doesn’t to say no: “He doesn’t study on Sundays.”

Speaking Prompts

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I study English every day.”
“She studies at night.”
“Do you study at school?”
“We study together.”
“He doesn’t study on weekends.”

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 9 – Verb TO TRAVEL

The verb “travel” is a dynamic, inspiring and Essential English Verb that helps you talk about movement, exploration, and connection. It’s especially relevant for you as a Mozambican beginners learners who move between towns, and dream of going abroad.

What does “travel” mean?

Travel is used to:

• Go from one place to another (I travel to Gurúè)
• Explore or visit new places (We travel during holidays)
• Move for work, study, or family reasons

Forms of “Travel” in the Present

✅ Use travel with “I, you, we, they”
✅ Use travels with “he, she, it”
✅ Add -s for third person singular

Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I travel to Pemba to see my aunt.
• He travels by motorbike to Mocuba.
• We travel during school holidays.
• They travel to Lichinga to visit their grandparents.

Basic English Verbs: Practice

Fill in the blanks with “travel” or “travels”:

1. I ___ to Zambézia every December.
2. She ___ with her mother to Chimoio.
3. We ___ by bus to Nampula.
4. He ___ for work every week.
5. They ___ to Beira for a wedding.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Quick Tips

• Use travel for longer or purposeful movement
• Use travels with “he, she, it”
• Use Do/Does to ask questions: “Does she travel by bus?”
• Use don’t/doesn’t to say no: “He doesn’t travel far.”

Speaking Prompts for Practicing Basic English Verbs

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I travel to Gurúè by chapa.”
“She travels every weekend.”
“Do you travel during holidays?”
“We travel to visit family.”
“He doesn’t travel often.”

To know how to make plans about trips and how to describe your home visit the article: “Everyday English Expressions“

Basic English Verbs: Lesson 11- Verb TO BUY

The verb “buy” is a practical and everyday verb that helps your talk about shopping, spending, and exchanging money. It’s especially useful for you navigating markets, shops, and daily transactions. It’s really one of the basic English verbs learners.

What does “buy” mean?

Buy is used to:

• Get something by paying money (I buy bread)
• Talk about shopping or spending (She buys clothes)
• Describe daily or special purchases

Forms of “Buy” in the Present

✅ Use buy with “I, you, we, they”
✅ Use buys with “he, she, it”
✅ Add -s for third person singular

Examples in Context

Mozambican Context

• I buy cassava at the market.
• He buys airtime for his phone.
• We buy fresh vegetable leaves.
• They buy school supplies in January.

Translation: Airtime – “Recarga” commonly known in Mozambique as “crédito”

Basic English Verb Practice

Fill in the blanks with “buy” or “buys”:

1. I ___ bread every morning.
2. She ___ tomatoes at the market.
3. We ___ clothes at the shop.
4. He ___ airtime every week.
5. They ___ books for school.

Affirmative / Negative / Question

Basic English Verbs: Quick Tips

• Use buy for everyday purchases
• Use buys with “he, she, it”
• Use Do/Does to ask questions: “Does she buy bread?”
• Use don’t/doesn’t to say no: “He doesn’t buy meat.”

Speaking Prompts to Basic English Verbs

Record or read aloud slowly:

“I buy bread every morning.”
“She buys tomatoes at the market.”
“Do you buy airtime?”
“We buy school supplies.”
“He doesn’t buy sugar.”

 For beginners, practicing English verbs is essential to build confidence. Learn here 8 more verbs for expressing life in English.

 The creator of “English Journey: Start Speaking with Confidence – One Step at a Time”

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