Contents
This lesson will guide you through a variety of verbs that start with I. You’ll learn essential everyday verbs, academic and formal verbs, action verbs, positive verbs, and common phrasal verbs—plus practice exercises with an answer key to help you remember what you learn.
Top Common Verbs that Start with I
Essential “I” Verbs for Beginners
These beginner-friendly verbs are common in everyday English. Each one includes a simple definition and an example sentence.
Identify
Definition: to recognize or find out who or what someone or something is.
Example: Can you identify the suspect in this lineup?
Ignore
Definition: to pay no attention to something or someone.
Example: Please ignore the background noise and focus on my voice.
Imagine
Definition: to form a picture or idea in your mind.
Example: Imagine a world without poverty.
Improve
Definition: to make something better.
Example: He’s been working hard to improve his golf game.
Include
Definition: to make someone or something part of a group or set.
Example: The price of the tour includes all meals and accommodations.
Increase
Definition: to become bigger in number, amount, or level.
Example: The company hopes to increase profits next year.
Inform
Definition: to tell someone information or news.
Example: Please inform me of any changes to the schedule.
Instruct
Definition: to teach or tell someone what to do.
Example: The teacher will instruct the students on how to solve the problem.
Invite
Definition: to ask someone to come or take part in something.
Example: She was invited to the party last night.
Investigate
Definition: to examine something carefully to find facts or the truth.
Example: The police will investigate the cause of the accident.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with I
These verbs are common in academic writing, reports, and exams like IELTS.
Identify
Definition: to recognize or name something clearly.
Example: The study aims to identify the main causes of stress among students.
Illustrate
Definition: to explain something using examples, evidence, or pictures.
Example: The chart illustrates changes in population over time.
Impact
Definition: to strongly affect something.
Example: Rising prices may impact household spending.
Implement
Definition: to put a plan or decision into action.
Example: The school will implement new safety rules next term.
Incorporate
Definition: to include something as part of a whole.
Example: The proposal incorporates feedback from the public.
Indicate
Definition: to show or point out something.
Example: The results indicate a significant improvement.
Induce
Definition: to cause something to happen.
Example: The medicine may induce drowsiness.
Infer
Definition: to reach a conclusion based on evidence.
Example: From the data, we can infer that demand is increasing.
Influence
Definition: to affect how someone thinks or behaves.
Example: Media can influence public opinion.
Initiate
Definition: to start a process or action.
Example: The manager will initiate a review of the policy.
Integrate
Definition: to combine parts into a whole.
Example: The new system will integrate with existing software.
Intervene
Definition: to become involved in order to change or stop a situation.
Example: The government may intervene to control prices.
Interpret
Definition: to explain the meaning of information or events.
Example: It is important to interpret the findings carefully.
Investigate
Definition: to examine something in detail.
Example: Researchers investigated the effects of sleep on memory.
Inhibit
Definition: to prevent or slow down something.
Example: Stress can inhibit learning and performance.
Action Verbs that Start with I
Physical Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ice | to cover or make something very cold | Ice the cake after it cools. |
| Ice-skate | to move on ice using skates | We love to ice-skate in winter. |
| Immerse | to put something completely under liquid | Immerse the cloth in warm water. |
| Inflate | to fill with air or gas | He inflated the balloon quickly. |
| Inject | to push liquid medicine into the body | The nurse will inject the vaccine. |
| Install | to put equipment in place and make it ready | The IT team will install new software today. |
| Insert | to put something into something else | Please insert your card here. |
| Irrigate | to supply water to land or crops | Farmers irrigate the fields during dry months. |
| Iron | to make clothes smooth using heat | I need to iron my shirt for tomorrow. |
| Isolate | to separate from others | The patient was isolated to prevent infection. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Identify | to recognize or name | Can you identify the problem? |
| Illustrate | to explain with examples | Please illustrate your point with a chart. |
| Imply | to suggest without saying directly | Her tone implied that she was unhappy. |
| Inform | to give information | We will inform you of the results by email. |
| Insist | to demand firmly | He insisted on paying for dinner. |
| Interpret | to explain meaning | Different people interpret the story differently. |
| Interview | to ask questions for information | They will interview candidates next week. |
| Investigate | to examine closely | Reporters investigated the case for months. |
| Invite | to ask someone to join | We invited our neighbors to the barbecue. |
| Inquire | to ask for information | He called to inquire about the job opening. |
Positive Verbs that Start with I
Verbs for Success and Achievement
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Improve | to make something better | Daily practice will improve your pronunciation. |
| Innovate | to introduce new ideas or methods | Successful companies innovate constantly. |
| Invest | to put time or money into something for future benefit | She decided to invest in her education. |
| Implement | to put a plan into action | We will implement the new strategy immediately. |
| Inspire | to motivate someone to do something | Her story inspired many people to keep going. |
| Initiate | to start something important | They initiated a program to reduce waste. |
| Integrate | to combine into a whole | We need to integrate these tools into one system. |
| Invigorate | to give energy or strength | A short walk can invigorate you. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Include | to make someone feel part of a group | They always include new students in activities. |
| Interact | to communicate or work together | Kids learn faster when they interact with others. |
| Invite | to ask someone to join | He invited his friend to have lunch. |
| Involve | to include someone in an activity | We try to involve parents in school events. |
| Indulge | to allow yourself to enjoy something | She indulged in a bubble bath after work. |
| Interest | to attract someone’s attention | The topic interests me a lot. |
| Intrigue | to make someone curious or fascinated | The ending of the movie really intrigued me. |
Useful Phrasal Verbs Starting with I
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Insist on | Demand firmly | He insisted on speaking to the manager. |
| Invest in | Put resources into something | She invested in her education. |
| Invite along | Ask someone to join an activity | They invited me along to the concert. |
| Iron out | Solve minor problems | We need to iron out a few issues before launch. |
| Indulge in | Allow yourself to enjoy something | She indulged in a piece of chocolate cake. |
| Inquire about | Ask for information | He inquired about the job opening. |
| Interfere with | Prevent something from happening smoothly | Noise can interfere with concentration. |
| Involve in | Include someone in an activity | She was involved in organizing the event. |
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with I
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| ice | /aɪs/ | to make very cold; to cover with ice |
| ice-skate | /ˈaɪs skeɪt/ | to skate on ice |
| idealize | /aɪˈdiːəlaɪz/ | to think of as perfect |
| identify | /aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ/ | to recognize who/what something is |
| idle | /ˈaɪdəl/ | to do nothing for a time |
| idolize | /ˈaɪdəlaɪz/ | to admire someone greatly |
| ignite | /ɪɡˈnaɪt/ | to start burning; to set on fire |
| ignore | /ɪɡˈnɔːr/ | to pay no attention to |
| illegalize | /ɪˈliːɡəlaɪz/ | to make illegal |
| ill-treat | /ˌɪl ˈtriːt/ | to treat someone cruelly |
| illuminate | /ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/ | to light up; to make clear |
| illustrate | /ˈɪləstreɪt/ | to explain with examples |
| image | /ˈɪmɪdʒ/ | to form a picture of (in your mind) |
| imagine | /ɪˈmædʒɪn/ | to think of something not present |
| imbibe | /ɪmˈbaɪb/ | to drink (often alcohol) |
| immerse | /ɪˈmɜːrs/ | to put completely under; to involve deeply |
| immigrate | /ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/ | to move to another country to live |
| impact | /ɪmˈpækt/ | to strongly affect |
| impair | /ɪmˈpɛr/ | to damage or weaken |
| impart | /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ | to give (information or a quality) |
| impeach | /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/ | to formally accuse a public official |
| impede | /ɪmˈpiːd/ | to slow down or block |
| implement | /ˈɪmplɪment/ | to put into action |
| implicate | /ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/ | to show someone is involved in something |
| implode | /ɪmˈploʊd/ | to collapse inward |
| implore | /ɪmˈplɔːr/ | to beg urgently |
| imply | /ɪmˈplaɪ/ | to suggest without saying directly |
| impose | /ɪmˈpoʊz/ | to force something to be accepted |
| impress | /ɪmˈprɛs/ | to make someone admire |
| imprint | /ɪmˈprɪnt/ | to mark or fix in the mind |
| improve | /ɪmˈpruːv/ | to make better |
| improvise | /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/ | to create without preparation |
| impute | /ɪmˈpjuːt/ | to attribute something to someone |
| incinerate | /ɪnˈsɪnəreɪt/ | to burn completely |
| incite | /ɪnˈsaɪt/ | to encourage (often violence or action) |
| incline | /ɪnˈklaɪn/ | to lean; to tend to think/act |
| include | /ɪnˈkluːd/ | to contain as part of a whole |
| incorporate | /ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/ | to add as part of something |
| increase | /ɪnˈkriːs/ | to become or make larger |
| incur | /ɪnˈkɜːr/ | to experience something negative |
| indicate | /ˈɪndɪkeɪt/ | to show or point out |
| induce | /ɪnˈduːs/ | to cause to happen |
| indulge | /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/ | to allow yourself a pleasure |
| infect | /ɪnˈfɛkt/ | to cause disease |
| infer | /ɪnˈfɜːr/ | to conclude from evidence |
| infest | /ɪnˈfɛst/ | to overrun in large numbers |
| infiltrate | /ˈɪnfɪltreɪt/ | to enter secretly |
| inflame | /ɪnˈfleɪm/ | to make worse; to cause strong feelings |
| inflate | /ɪnˈfleɪt/ | to fill with air |
| influence | /ˈɪnfluəns/ | to affect decisions or behavior |
| inform | /ɪnˈfɔːrm/ | to tell someone |
| infringe | /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ | to break a rule or law |
| infuse | /ɪnˈfjuːz/ | to fill with a quality; to add flavor |
| ingest | /ɪnˈdʒɛst/ | to take in food or medicine |
| inhabit | /ɪnˈhæbɪt/ | to live in a place |
| inhale | /ɪnˈheɪl/ | to breathe in |
| inherit | /ɪnˈhɛrɪt/ | to receive from someone who dies |
| inhibit | /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/ | to prevent or slow |
| initiate | /ɪˈnɪʃieɪt/ | to start |
| inject | /ɪnˈdʒɛkt/ | to put in (liquid) with a needle |
| injure | /ˈɪndʒər/ | to hurt |
| innovate | /ˈɪnəveɪt/ | to introduce new ideas |
| input | /ˈɪnpʊt/ | to enter data into a system |
| inquire | /ɪnˈkwaɪər/ | to ask for information |
| insert | /ɪnˈsɜːrt/ | to put in |
| inspect | /ɪnˈspɛkt/ | to check carefully |
| inspire | /ɪnˈspaɪər/ | to motivate |
| install | /ɪnˈstɔːl/ | to set up equipment or software |
| instigate | /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ | to cause something to happen |
| instill | /ɪnˈstɪl/ | to gradually establish an idea |
| instruct | /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ | to teach or direct |
| insult | /ɪnˈsʌlt/ | to say something rude |
| intend | /ɪnˈtɛnd/ | to plan to do |
| intensify | /ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/ | to become stronger |
| interact | /ˌɪntərˈækt/ | to communicate with others |
| intercept | /ˌɪntərˈsɛpt/ | to stop and take before arrival |
| interfere | /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/ | to get in the way |
| interpret | /ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/ | to explain meaning |
| interrupt | /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/ | to stop someone while speaking |
| interview | /ˈɪntərvjuː/ | to ask questions formally |
| introduce | /ˌɪntrəˈduːs/ | to present someone/something |
| invent | /ɪnˈvɛnt/ | to create something new |
| invest | /ɪnˈvɛst/ | to put money/time into something |
| investigate | /ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪt/ | to examine carefully |
| invigorate | /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪt/ | to give energy |
| invite | /ɪnˈvaɪt/ | to ask someone to join |
| invoke | /ɪnˈvoʊk/ | to call on or mention formally |
| involve | /ɪnˈvɑːlv/ | to include as a necessary part |
| irritate | /ˈɪrɪteɪt/ | to annoy |
| isolate | /ˈaɪsəleɪt/ | to separate from others |
| issue | /ˈɪʃuː/ | to give out officially |
| itch | /ɪtʃ/ | to feel a need to scratch |
| itemize | /ˈaɪtəmaɪz/ | to list things separately |
| iterate | /ˈɪtəreɪt/ | to repeat a process |
Confusing I Verbs & Common Mistakes
Ensure vs. Insure
Ensure means “make certain.”
Example: Please ensure your answer is complete.
Insure usually relates to insurance (money/protection).
Example: We insured the car against theft.
Identify vs. Indicate
Identify = recognize/name something exactly.
Example: The witness identified the driver.
Indicate = show or suggest.
Example: The results indicate progress.
Exercises: Test Your Knowledge on “I” Verbs
Fill in the blanks
- Please ________ your name at the top of the form.
- Try to ________ the noise and focus on your work.
- The new policy will ________ how we manage projects.
- We need to ________ this plan next month.
- She hopes to ________ her English before the exam.
- The teacher will ________ the class on the new topic.
- They decided to ________ the incident carefully.
- He didn’t mean to ________ you while you were speaking.
Match the definition
Match each verb (A–H) to its meaning (1–8).
- to make something better
- to examine carefully to find facts
- to start a plan or process
- to stop someone while they are speaking
- to put a plan into action
- to pay no attention to
- to recognize who or what something is
- to explain meaning
- A. identify
- B. ignore
- C. implement
- D. improve
- E. investigate
- F. initiate
- G. interrupt
- H. interpret
Answer key
Fill in the blanks: 1) identify 2) ignore 3) impact 4) implement 5) improve 6) instruct 7) investigate 8) interrupt
Match the definition: A-7, B-6, C-5, D-1, E-2, F-3, G-4, H-8
Related:
- Adjectives that Start with I
- Nouns that Start with I
- Words that Start with I
- Positive Words that Start with I
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
- Verbs that Start with G
- Verbs that Start with H
- Verbs that Start with I
- Verbs that Start with J
- Verbs that Start with K
- Verbs that Start with L
- Verbs that Start with M
- Verbs that Start with N
- Verbs that Start with O
- Verbs that Start with P
- Verbs that Start with Q
- Verbs that Start with R
- Verbs that Start with S
- Verbs that Start with T
- Verbs that Start with U
- Verbs that Start with V
- Verbs that Start with W
- Verbs that Start with X
- Verbs that Start with Y
- Verbs that Start with Z