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Verbs that start with B are some of the most common and useful words in English. From basic verbs like be, break, and buy to more advanced ones like benefit and brainstorm, these words help you talk about actions, feelings, and ideas clearly and naturally.
Top Common Verbs that Start with B
Verbs that Start with B – Created by 7ESL
Essential “B” Verbs for Beginners
Here are some everyday verbs that begin with B. These are very useful for daily conversations.
Be
Definition: To exist or to describe someone or something (am, is, are, was, were).
Examples:
- She is a teacher.
- They were very tired after the trip.
Break
Definition: To separate something into pieces; to stop working.
Examples:
- He broke the vase by accident.
- My phone broke yesterday.
Buy
Definition: To get something by paying money.
Examples:
- I need to buy some groceries for dinner.
- She bought a new laptop last week.
Bring
Definition: To take something or someone with you to a place.
Examples:
- Please bring your ID to the interview.
- Can you bring me a glass of water?
Build
Definition: To make or construct something.
Examples:
- They are going to build a new library.
- We built a sandcastle on the beach.
Borrow
Definition: To take something that belongs to someone else and promise to give it back.
Examples:
- Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
- He borrowed some books from the library.
Believe
Definition: To think that something is true or real; to have confidence in someone or something.
Examples:
- I believe you are telling the truth.
- She believes in herself.
Begin
Definition: To start doing something.
Examples:
- The class will begin at 9 a.m.
- They began to laugh.
Behave
Definition: To act in a particular way, especially to be polite or well-mannered.
Examples:
- You need to behave in public.
- The children behaved well at the party.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with B
These verbs are common in academic writing, business English, and exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
Balance
Definition: To make things equal, fair, or stable.
Example: The government must balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Ban
Definition: To officially say that something is not allowed.
Example: Many countries ban smoking in public places.
Benefit
Definition: To gain an advantage from something; to help someone.
Example: Students can greatly benefit from extra reading practice.
Boost
Definition: To increase or improve something.
Example: The new marketing campaign helped boost sales.
Broaden
Definition: To make something wider or to increase the range of something (e.g. knowledge).
Example: Studying abroad can broaden your perspective.
Budget
Definition: To plan how to spend money carefully.
Example: The company has to budget for rising energy costs.
Brief
Definition: To give someone essential information or instructions.
Example: The manager will brief the team before the conference.
Bridge
Definition: To connect or reduce the difference between two things.
Example: The program aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Broadcast
Definition: To send out information, news, or programs on television, radio, or the internet.
Example: The speech was broadcast live around the world.
Bother
Definition: To make someone feel worried, upset, or annoyed; to take the trouble to do something.
Example: Noise from the construction site can bother local residents.
Bar
Definition: To officially prevent someone from doing something.
Example: He was barred from entering the competition.
Base
Definition: To use something as a foundation or starting point.
Example: The author bases her argument on recent research.
Bracket
Definition: To group things together or consider them as similar.
Example: These two policies are often bracketed together in public debate.
Benchmark
Definition: To measure something by comparing it with a standard.
Example: Schools are benchmarked against national performance levels.
Action Verbs that Start with B
Physical Action Verbs
These verbs describe physical actions that you can often see.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Babble | To talk quickly in a silly or unclear way | The baby babbled happily. |
| Back | To move backwards or support something | She backed away from the spider. |
| Bake | To cook food in an oven | I am going to bake a cake for the party. |
| Balance | To keep something steady so it does not fall | He balanced the books on his head. |
| Ban | To officially say something is not allowed | The school banned cell phones in the classroom. |
| Bang | To hit something loudly or to make a loud noise | The door banged shut behind her. |
| Bark | To make a loud sound like a dog | The dog barked at the mailman. |
| Bathe | To wash in a bath or water | I’m going to bathe the baby. |
| Battle | To fight against someone or something | The two armies battled fiercely. |
| Beam | To shine or send out light | The sun beamed down on the beach. |
| Beg | To ask strongly or desperately | She begged him to forgive her. |
| Bend | To move your body or an object into a curved position | He bent down to pick up the pencil. |
| Bite | To use your teeth to cut into something | The dog bit the mailman on the ankle. |
| Blink | To quickly open and close your eyes | She blinked back tears. |
| Block | To stop something from passing or happening | The police blocked the road. |
| Blush | To become red in the face, often from embarrassment | She blushed when he complimented her. |
| Boast | To talk proudly about yourself or what you have done | He boasted about his accomplishments. |
| Boil | To heat a liquid until it bubbles | The water began to boil. |
| Bomb | To attack with bombs | The city was bombed during the war. |
| Book | To reserve or arrange (a ticket, room, etc.) | I’m going to book a flight to Paris. |
| Boost | To increase or improve something | The new product boosted sales. |
| Bounce | To move up and down after hitting a surface | The ball bounced back and forth. |
| Box | To put things into a box | He boxed up his belongings and moved out. |
| Brace | To prepare yourself for something difficult or unpleasant | She braced herself for impact. |
| Brake | To make a vehicle slow down or stop | I had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the car in front of me. |
| Branch | To separate into different parts or directions | The road branches off to the left just ahead. |
| Brand | To mark something with a name or symbol | The company branded its products with a new logo. |
| Breathe | To take air in and out of your lungs | I breathe deeply to calm my nerves. |
| Brush | To clean or arrange something using a brush | I need to brush my teeth before bed. |
| Bubble | To form bubbles; to move with a bubbling sound | The water bubbled and boiled on the stove. |
| Build | To construct something | They are going to build a new library. |
| Bump | To hit or knock into something by accident | She bumped into an old friend at the grocery store. |
| Burn | To be on fire or to damage with fire or heat | The fire burned brightly in the fireplace. |
| Burst | To break open suddenly | The balloon burst with a loud noise. |
| Bus | To travel by bus (informal) | I usually bus to work instead of driving. |
| Buy | To get something by paying money | I need to buy some groceries for dinner. |
| Buzz | To make a low, continuous humming sound | The bees buzzed around the flowers. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
These verbs describe thinking, feeling, and speaking actions.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Believe | To think that something is true | I believe you are telling the truth. |
| Blame | To say or think that someone is responsible for something bad | They blamed the storm for the delay. |
| Boast | To talk proudly about yourself or what you have done | He often boasts about his achievements. |
| Brainstorm | To discuss and suggest many ideas | Let’s brainstorm ideas for the project. |
| Brief | To give someone important information quickly | The coach briefed the players before the game. |
| Blurt | To say something suddenly without thinking | She blurted out the secret. |
| Beg | To ask seriously and emotionally | He begged her to stay. |
| Beware | To be careful about something dangerous | Beware of dogs in this area. |
| Bet | To risk money or say confidently that something will happen | I bet he’ll be here any minute now. |
| Blush | To feel shy or embarrassed and turn red | She blushed when they praised her work. |
Positive Verbs that Start with B
Verbs for Success and Achievement
Use these verbs to talk about progress, growth, and positive results.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Believe | To have confidence or trust in something | I believe in myself. |
| Boost | To increase or improve something | The advertisement will boost sales. |
| Build | To create or develop something over time | We are building a new house. |
| Benefit | To gain a good result or advantage | Exercise benefits your health. |
| Brighten | To make something lighter, happier, or more hopeful | A smile can brighten someone’s day. |
| Brainstorm | To generate creative ideas | Let’s brainstorm ideas for the project. |
| Bloom | To grow or develop successfully | The flowers are starting to bloom. |
| Beautify | To make something more beautiful | The flowers will beautify the garden. |
| Better | To improve something | We are working to better our services. |
| Breakthrough | To make a sudden important advance | The team finally broke through and solved the problem. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
These verbs help you talk about emotions, care, and connection.
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bless | To wish good things or show kind approval | May God bless you. |
| Bond | To develop a close relationship | Traveling together helped them bond as a team. |
| Befriend | To become a friend to someone | He tried to befriend the new student. |
| Baby | To care for someone gently and kindly | She loves to baby her little brother. |
| Back | To support someone or something | My parents always back my decisions. |
| Brighten | To make someone feel happier | His kind words brightened her mood. |
| Belong | To feel accepted and part of a group | Everyone wants to belong somewhere. |
Important Phrasal Verbs Starting with B
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Break”, “Bring”, and “Back”
Break down
Meaning: To stop working (for machines); to become very upset (for people); to analyze something in detail.
Examples:
- My car broke down on the way to work.
- She broke down in tears when she heard the news.
Break up
Meaning: To end a relationship; to separate into smaller pieces.
Examples:
- They decided to break up after five years together.
- The teacher broke up the fight quickly.
Bring up
Meaning: To mention a topic; to raise a child.
Examples:
- She brought up an interesting question in the meeting.
- He was brought up by his grandparents.
Bring about
Meaning: To cause something to happen.
Examples:
- The new policy brought about many changes.
- Technology has brought about faster communication.
Back up
Meaning: To support someone; to make a copy of data.
Examples:
- Thank you for backing me up during the discussion.
- Remember to back up your files regularly.
Back out (of)
Meaning: To decide not to do something you had agreed to do.
Examples:
- He backed out of the deal at the last minute.
- They promised to help but then backed out.
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with B
Here is a more complete list of useful verbs beginning with B. The pronunciation uses simple IPA-style symbols.
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Babble | /ˈbæb.əl/ | To talk quickly in a silly or unclear way |
| Back | /bæk/ | To move backward; to support |
| Backfire | /ˈbæk.faɪər/ | To have the opposite result from what was intended |
| Bail | /beɪl/ | To remove water; to release someone on bail |
| Bait | /beɪt/ | To put food to attract animals; to annoy someone on purpose |
| Bake | /beɪk/ | To cook in an oven |
| Balance | /ˈbæl.əns/ | To keep something steady or equal |
| Ban | /bæn/ | To officially forbid |
| Bang | /bæŋ/ | To hit something hard and loudly |
| Bark | /bɑːrk/ | To make a dog’s loud sound |
| Bathe | /beɪð/ | To wash in a bath or water |
| Battle | /ˈbæt.əl/ | To fight against |
| Be | /biː/ | To exist; to describe what or how something is |
| Beach | /biːtʃ/ | To bring a boat or sea animal onto the shore |
| Beam | /biːm/ | To shine or send out light; to smile widely |
| Bear | /ber/ | To carry; to accept or endure; to give birth |
| Beat | /biːt/ | To hit repeatedly; to defeat |
| Become | /bɪˈkʌm/ | To start to be something |
| Beg | /beɡ/ | To ask strongly for help or money |
| Begin | /bɪˈɡɪn/ | To start |
| Behave | /bɪˈheɪv/ | To act in a particular way |
| Believe | /bɪˈliːv/ | To accept something as true |
| Bend | /bend/ | To curve or move into a curve |
| Benefit | /ˈben.ɪ.fɪt/ | To get a good result or advantage |
| Bet | /bet/ | To risk money or predict something |
| Bite | /baɪt/ | To use your teeth on something |
| Blame | /bleɪm/ | To say someone is responsible for a mistake |
| Blame | /bleɪm/ | To say someone is responsible for something bad |
| Blend | /blend/ | To mix things together |
| Bless | /bles/ | To ask for or give special help and protection |
| Block | /blɑːk/ | To stop movement or progress |
| Bloom | /bluːm/ | To produce flowers; to grow well |
| Blow | /bloʊ/ | To move air; to be moved by the wind |
| Boast | /boʊst/ | To talk too proudly about yourself |
| Boil | /bɔɪl/ | To heat liquid until it bubbles |
| Borrow | /ˈbɔːr.oʊ/ | To take and use something that belongs to someone else |
| Bounce | /baʊns/ | To move up and down after hitting something |
| Bow | /baʊ/ | To bend your body forward to show respect |
| Bowl | /boʊl/ | To roll a ball in a game like bowling |
| Box | /bɑːks/ | To fight with your fists; to put something in a box |
| Brace | /breɪs/ | To prepare for something difficult |
| Brake | /breɪk/ | To slow or stop a vehicle |
| Brand | /brænd/ | To mark products with a name or symbol |
| Break | /breɪk/ | To separate into pieces; to stop working |
| Breathe | /briːð/ | To take air in and out of your lungs |
| Breed | /briːd/ | To produce young; to cause something to develop |
| Brief | /briːf/ | To explain something quickly and clearly |
| Brighten | /ˈbraɪ.tən/ | To make something lighter or happier |
| Bring | /brɪŋ/ | To take something or someone with you |
| Broadcast | /ˈbrɔːd.kæst/ | To send out programs or information |
| Brush | /brʌʃ/ | To clean or arrange with a brush |
| Build | /bɪld/ | To construct |
| Bump | /bʌmp/ | To hit something by accident |
| Burn | /bɜːrn/ | To be on fire; to damage by fire |
| Burst | /bɜːrst/ | To break open suddenly |
| Bury | /ˈber.i/ | To put something in the ground and cover it |
| Bus | /bʌs/ | To travel by bus |
| Bust | /bʌst/ | To break or damage; informally, to arrest |
| Buy | /baɪ/ | To get something by paying money |
| Buzz | /bʌz/ | To make a low humming sound |
| Bypass | /ˈbaɪ.pæs/ | To go around or avoid something |
Confusing B Verbs & Common Mistakes
Borrow vs. Lend
- Borrow = take something from someone (you will give it back).
Can I borrow your phone? - Lend = give something to someone (they will give it back).
Can you lend me your phone?
Break vs. Brake
- Break = to damage or separate into pieces.
Be careful not to break the glass. - Brake = to slow down or stop a vehicle.
You must brake early in the rain.
Bring vs. Take
- Bring = move something towards the speaker or a place.
Please bring your notes to class. - Take = move something away to another place.
Don’t forget to take an umbrella with you.
Be vs. Become
- Be = talk about a state or identity now or in general.
She is a doctor. - Become = talk about a change.
She became a doctor after many years of study.
Exercises: Test Your Knowledge on “B” Verbs
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct verb starting with B to complete each sentence: boost, borrow, break, bring, build, believe, buy, bounce, behave, bury.
- Please ______ your notebook to class tomorrow.
- Don’t run inside; you might ______ that glass.
- She wants to ______ a new computer this year.
- We need to ______ a stronger relationship with our customers.
- Can I ______ your dictionary for a minute?
- The ball hit the wall and started to ______.
- Children should ______ politely at the dinner table.
- Regular practice can ______ your confidence.
- It’s hard to ______ everything you hear online.
- They decided to ______ the treasure in the garden.
Exercise 2: Match the Definition
Match each verb with the correct meaning.
| Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| A. Break | 1. To increase or improve something |
| B. Boost | 2. To take something and return it later |
| C. Borrow | 3. To put something in the ground and cover it |
| D. Bury | 4. To separate something into pieces or make it stop working |
Answer Key (Exercise 2): A–4, B–1, C–2, D–3.
Verbs that Start with B | Images
Verbs that Start with B | Image 2
Verbs that Start with B in English – Created by 7ESL
Verbs that Start with B | Image 3
English Verbs that Start with B – Created by 7ESL
Related:
- Adjectives that Start with B
- Nouns that Start with B
- Words that Start with B
- Positive Words that Start with B
Learn more A–Z Verbs
- Verbs that Start with A
- Verbs that Start with B
- Verbs that Start with C
- Verbs that Start with D
- Verbs that Start with E
- Verbs that Start with F
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- Verbs that Start with L
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- Verbs that Start with S
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- Verbs that Start with U
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- Verbs that Start with Y
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