How many sentences can you construct without a verb? The pickings are slim. We need verbs to propel the subject of the sentence forward into further action or lead us to further information.
In this series of "Verbs That Start With…" articles, we've been walking through the alphabet from A to Z. Together, let's explore 50 verbs that start with T.
50 Verbs Starting With T
Below, you'll find 50 of the most common T-verbs, as well as a definition of each and a sampling of synonyms:
| Verb | Definition | Synonym |
| to attach | pin, tie, nail | |
| to jump on | grapple, seize, grab | |
| to make something to particular specifications | adjust, fashion, fit | |
| to get hold of | seize, appropriate, pocket | |
| to speak | articulate, communicate, converse | |
| to add up | account, catalog, total | |
| to domesticate | cultivate, domesticate, subdue | |
| to strike gently and quickly | pat, rap, touch | |
| to aim at something or someone in particular | mark, aim, designate | |
| to educate | discipline, educate, instruct | |
| to pull or force something apart | rend, rip, split | |
| to communicate in words | advise, announce, enunciate | |
| to lure | attract, bait, coax | |
| to care for | administer, attend, care | |
| to stop | abolish, adjourn, cease | |
| to administer an exam | examine, quiz, investigate | |
| to express gratitude or appreciation | acknowledge, appreciate, praise | |
| to make more dense | coagulate, congeal, solidify | |
| to have an idea or belief about something | cogitate, reason, deliberate | |
| to pose danger | intimidate, menace, torment | |
| to excite | inspire, animate, rouse | |
| to do well | blossom, burgeon, flourish | |
| to toss something in the air | cast, catapult, toss | |
| to fasten two or more things together | bind, attach, fasten | |
| to constrict | bind, clench, squeeze | |
| to tip or slope in one direction | cant, incline, lean | |
| to exhaust | bore, drain, weaken | |
| to allow | abide, accept, condone | |
| to exceed, surpass, or do better | better, beat, overrun | |
| to throw lightly | chuck, fling, throw | |
| to use your hand to feel or move | graze, pat, brush | |
| to pull | drag, draw, haul | |
| to copy something by following along | sketch, outline, draw | |
| to exchange something | barter, swap, exchange | |
| to guide, coach, or instruct | instruct, tutor, enlighten | |
| to move, carry, or transport | convey, shift, carry | |
| to change something into something else | metamorphosize, convert, transmute | |
| to convert from one language to another | decode, transcribe, decipher | |
| to transfer from one place to another | carry, channel, dispatch | |
| to move from one place to another | transmit, convey, carry | |
| to catch someone or something | ensnare, catch, confine | |
| to go to a different location | journey, tour, explore | |
| to provide medical help | heal, assist, attend | |
| to cause | activate, initiate, provoke | |
| to remove, cut, or decorate | prune, shave, lop | |
| to have faith, confidence, or hope in someone or something | believe, hope, depend | |
| to make an attempt | endeavor, attempt, undertake | |
| to adjust or adapt a condition | attune, harmonize, modulate | |
| to rotate in a circle | alternate, contort, flex | |
| to make small adjustments | adjust, pinch, twist |
Types of Verbs
Simple sentences have a basic format: subject + verb + direct object. Verbs demonstrate the sentence's action, placing the subject of the sentence into motion.
In the sentence, "Thomas travels to Tasmania often," "Thomas" is the subject, "travels" is the verb, and "Tasmania" is the direct object. Given their prominence in the English language, verbs come in many different types. Here are three of the most popular:
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The most common type of verb is an action verb. These are verbs that highlight things you can do. In the table above, "test" and "threaten" are action verbs. They're performing specific actions.
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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."
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We also have linking verbs. These verbs don't describe any action. Rather, they connect the subject of the sentence to additional information. Linking verbs are often "to be" verbs, including "am," "is," "are," and "were." An example would be, "Tolbert was home on Saturday." Here, "was" is the linking verb.
10 Example Sentences
Care to tarry on with our exploration of T-Verbs? Here are 10 of the above verbs used in sample sentences:
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Can you tack this job posting on the board?
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Will he tailor the pants for me?
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Unfortunately, she has decided to target you with her wrath.
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I can't wait for him to teach me how to paint.
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Did you seriously just tear your pants?
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We decided to terminate our contract with that Internet provider.
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These plants are going to thrive in this environment.
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Come over here and touch this fabric.
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Where shall we travel to next?
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What does their company transport?
Tasteful T-Verbs
T-verbs can add a tasteful flair to your next short story, poem, or essay. In fact, using strong verbs in your writing will help you underscore the meaning behind your thoughts and words. For more on the power behind this part of speech, check out Strong Verbs and Weak Verbs: What's the Difference?
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