Contents
Situations may arise from time to time where people need to know various verbs that start with P. For instance, students might have to find words for homework or research assignments. Meanwhile, writers could need to locate terms to complete their books and make them perfect. Regardless of who you are or why you’re here, stick around and read on to learn more. A list of useful P verbs is provided below.
Top Common Verbs that Start with P
Discover more verbs that start with…
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N
O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Essential “P” Verbs for Beginners
Here are 10 high-frequency P verbs that show up in everyday conversation.
1) pay
Definition: to give money for something.
Example: I need to pay the rent by the first.
2) pick
Definition: to choose or select.
Example: Please pick a seat near the window.
3) put
Definition: to place something somewhere.
Example: Put your bag on the chair.
4) play
Definition: to do an activity for fun; to take part in a game.
Example: The kids play outside after school.
5) pause
Definition: to stop for a short time.
Example: Let’s pause the video for a second.
6) plan
Definition: to decide what you will do in the future.
Example: We plan our trip months in advance.
7) park
Definition: to leave a vehicle in a place for a period of time.
Example: He parked his car in the garage.
8) pass
Definition: to go by; to give something to someone.
Example: Can you pass the salt?
9) push
Definition: to press or move something forward using force.
Example: Push the button to call the elevator.
10) practice
Definition: to do something repeatedly to improve.
Example: She practices English every day.
Academic & Formal Verbs Starting with P
These 15 verbs are common in formal writing, academic tasks, and IELTS-style answers.
1) perceive
Definition: to notice or understand something in a particular way.
Example: Many people perceive the change as positive.
2) persist
Definition: to continue despite difficulty.
Example: If you persist, you will improve.
3) persuade
Definition: to convince someone to do or believe something.
Example: She persuaded him to change his mind.
4) predict
Definition: to say what will happen in the future.
Example: Experts predict faster growth next year.
5) prioritize
Definition: to decide what is most important first.
Example: Students should prioritize key tasks.
6) proceed
Definition: to continue or move forward.
Example: We will proceed with the plan.
7) prohibit
Definition: to officially stop something from being done.
Example: The rules prohibit smoking indoors.
8) propose
Definition: to suggest a plan or idea.
Example: The team proposed a new solution.
9) prove
Definition: to show that something is true.
Example: The data proves the point clearly.
10) publish
Definition: to make information available to the public.
Example: The journal will publish the study.
11) purchase
Definition: to buy something (formal).
Example: Customers can purchase tickets online.
12) pursue
Definition: to try to achieve something over time.
Example: She pursued a degree in engineering.
13) preserve
Definition: to keep something in its original or good condition.
Example: We must preserve historical buildings.
14) promote
Definition: to support or encourage; to advertise.
Example: Schools should promote healthy habits.
15) provide
Definition: to give or supply something needed.
Example: The program provides useful resources.
Action Verbs that Start with P
Physical Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| pack | put items into a bag or box | I need to pack for my trip tomorrow. |
| paint | cover a surface with color | She painted the room a bright shade of blue. |
| park | leave a vehicle in a place | He parked his car in the garage. |
| paste | stick something using glue | She pasted the pictures into the scrapbook. |
| pat | touch lightly with your hand | He patted his dog on the head. |
| peel | remove the skin or outer layer | Can you peel the oranges? |
| pelt | hit repeatedly with objects | The hailstones pelted the roof. |
| pet | touch an animal gently | She petted her cat while watching TV. |
| phone | call someone by telephone | He phoned his friend to cancel plans. |
| photograph | take a picture | She photographed the beautiful sunset. |
| pierce | make a hole with something sharp | The arrow pierced the target. |
| pinch | press skin between fingers | She pinched her cheek to stay awake. |
| plant | put seeds or plants into the ground | She planted flowers in the garden. |
| plug in | connect to electricity | He plugged in the lamp and it lit up. |
| pour | make liquid flow from a container | She poured the wine into the glasses. |
| punch | hit with a fist | He punched the punching bag. |
| pull | move something toward you | Pull the door to open it. |
| push | move something away using force | Push the cart carefully. |
Mental & Communication Action Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| perceive | notice or understand | He perceived the situation as dangerous. |
| panic | feel sudden fear | He panicked when he saw the spider. |
| participate | take part | She participated in the charity walk. |
| persuade | convince | She persuaded him to change his mind. |
| please | make someone happy; (also) ask politely | Could you please pass the salt? |
| point out | show or draw attention to | She pointed out the mistake. |
| portray | describe or represent | The artist portrayed his subject in oils. |
| praise | say good things about someone | He praised her for excellent work. |
| prefer | like one thing more than another | I prefer tea to coffee. |
| pretend | act as if something is true | He pretended to be asleep. |
| promise | say you will do something | She promised to call later. |
| propose | suggest a plan | They proposed a new idea. |
| prove | show something is true | The results proved him right. |
| pursue | try to achieve | He pursued his goals with focus. |
Positive Verbs that Start with P
Verbs for Success and Achievement
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| persist | continue despite difficulty | She persisted in pursuing her dream. |
| progress | move forward; improve | The project is progressing well. |
| promote | support or encourage | The school promotes healthy habits. |
| prepare | get ready | She prepared a delicious meal. |
| perform | do a task; entertain | The band performed a new song. |
| practice | train repeatedly to improve | If you practice, you will get better. |
| perfect | make something as good as possible | He perfected his presentation over time. |
Verbs for Feelings and Relationships
| Verb | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| praise | express approval | Don’t forget to praise good effort. |
| protect | keep safe | The officer protected the citizens from harm. |
| provide | give what is needed | The school provides helpful resources. |
| partner | work together with someone | He partnered with his brother on the project. |
| participate | join in | He chose to participate in the charity run. |
| pardon | forgive | She pardoned him for the mistake. |
Important Phrasal Verbs Starting with P
Common Phrasal Verbs with “pick”, “put”, and “point”
Pick up
Meaning: to lift; to collect someone; to learn casually.
Example: I’ll pick you up at 7.
Pick out
Meaning: to choose from a group.
Example: She picked out a new jacket.
Pick on
Meaning: to treat someone unfairly or tease repeatedly.
Example: Don’t pick on him.
Put off
Meaning: to postpone; to delay.
Example: We had to put off the meeting.
Put on
Meaning: to wear; to organize; to gain (weight).
Example: Put on your coat—it’s cold.
Put up with
Meaning: to tolerate.
Example: I can’t put up with that noise.
Point out
Meaning: to show or mention something clearly.
Example: She pointed out a small error.
Comprehensive List of Verbs that Start with P
| Verb | Pronunciation | Simple Definition |
|---|---|---|
| pace | /peɪs/ | walk back and forth; set a speed |
| pacify | /ˈpæsɪfaɪ/ | calm someone down |
| pack | /pæk/ | put things into a bag/box |
| pad | /pæd/ | add soft material; walk softly |
| paddle | /ˈpæd(ə)l/ | move a boat with a paddle |
| paint | /peɪnt/ | cover with color |
| pair | /peə(r)/ | match two things together |
| palm | /pɑːm/ | hide something in your hand |
| pamper | /ˈpæmpə(r)/ | treat someone kindly and well |
| pan | /pæn/ | criticize strongly (informal) |
| panel | /ˈpæn(ə)l/ | discuss as a panel; cover with panels |
| pant | /pænt/ | breathe quickly |
| parade | /pəˈreɪd/ | march publicly |
| paralyze | /ˈpærəlaɪz/ | stop movement or action |
| paraphrase | /ˈpærəfreɪz/ | say in different words |
| pardon | /ˈpɑːd(ə)n/ | forgive |
| pare | /peə(r)/ | cut away the outer layer |
| park | /pɑːk/ | leave a vehicle in a place |
| parody | /ˈpærədi/ | copy in a humorous way |
| part | /pɑːt/ | separate; leave |
| participate | /pɑːˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ | take part |
| partition | /pɑːˈtɪʃ(ə)n/ | divide into parts |
| pass | /pɑːs/ | go by; give to someone |
| paste | /peɪst/ | stick using glue |
| pasteurize | /ˈpæstʃəraɪz/ | heat to kill germs |
| pasture | /ˈpɑːstʃə(r)/ | put animals to graze |
| pat | /pæt/ | touch lightly with your hand |
| patch | /pætʃ/ | repair by covering a hole |
| patent | /ˈpeɪt(ə)nt/ | get legal rights for an invention |
| patrol | /pəˈtrəʊl/ | guard by walking/driving around |
| patronize | /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/ | support as a customer; talk down to |
| patter | /ˈpætə(r)/ | make light tapping sounds |
| pause | /pɔːz/ | stop briefly |
| pave | /peɪv/ | cover a surface with stones/asphalt |
| paw | /pɔː/ | touch/claw repeatedly |
| pay | /peɪ/ | give money |
| peck | /pek/ | hit with a beak; nibble |
| pedal | /ˈped(ə)l/ | push pedals to move |
| peddle | /ˈped(ə)l/ | sell goods (often on the street) |
| peek | /piːk/ | look quickly/secretly |
| peel | /piːl/ | remove skin/outer layer |
| peep | /piːp/ | look quickly; appear slightly |
| peg | /peɡ/ | fasten with a peg; fix at a level |
| penalize | /ˈpiːn(ə)laɪz/ | punish; give a penalty |
| penetrate | /ˈpenɪtreɪt/ | enter; go through |
| pension | /ˈpenʃ(ə)n/ | provide a pension; retire someone |
| pepper | /ˈpepə(r)/ | add pepper; cover with many small things |
| perceive | /pəˈsiːv/ | notice; understand |
| perch | /pɜːtʃ/ | sit on a high place |
| percolate | /ˈpɜːkəleɪt/ | filter through; spread gradually |
| perfect | /pəˈfekt/ | make as good as possible |
| perforate | /ˈpɜːfəreɪt/ | make holes in |
| perform | /pəˈfɔːm/ | do a task; entertain |
| perfume | /ˈpɜːfjuːm/ | add a pleasant smell |
| perish | /ˈperɪʃ/ | die; spoil (food) |
| perk | /pɜːk/ | become more lively; make coffee |
| permeate | /ˈpɜːmieɪt/ | spread through |
| permit | /pəˈmɪt/ | allow |
| perpetrate | /ˈpɜːpətreɪt/ | commit (a crime) |
| perpetuate | /pəˈpetʃueɪt/ | make something continue |
| persecute | /ˈpɜːsɪkjuːt/ | treat cruelly for beliefs/identity |
| persevere | /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ | keep going despite difficulty |
| persist | /pəˈsɪst/ | continue firmly |
| personalize | /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪz/ | make something fit a person |
| personify | /pəˈsɒnɪfaɪ/ | give human qualities to |
| perspire | /pəˈspaɪə(r)/ | sweat |
| persuade | /pəˈsweɪd/ | convince |
| pertain | /pəˈteɪn/ | relate to |
| perturb | /pəˈtɜːb/ | disturb; worry |
| peruse | /pəˈruːz/ | read or examine carefully |
| pervade | /pəˈveɪd/ | spread through |
| pervert | /pəˈvɜːt/ | change to something wrong |
| pester | /ˈpestə(r)/ | annoy repeatedly |
| pet | /pet/ | touch gently (an animal) |
| petition | /pəˈtɪʃ(ə)n/ | formally request |
| petrify | /ˈpetrɪfaɪ/ | turn to stone; frighten |
| philosophize | /fəˈlɒsəfaɪz/ | discuss deep ideas |
| phone | /fəʊn/ | call by telephone |
| photograph | /ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːf/ | take a photo |
| phrase | /freɪz/ | express in words |
| pick | /pɪk/ | choose; select |
| picket | /ˈpɪkɪt/ | protest outside a place |
| picture | /ˈpɪktʃə(r)/ | imagine; represent |
| pierce | /pɪəs/ | make a hole with something sharp |
| pine | /paɪn/ | miss something deeply; waste away |
| pinpoint | /ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/ | identify exactly |
| pin | /pɪn/ | attach with a pin |
| pickle | /ˈpɪk(ə)l/ | preserve in vinegar/salt water |
| pilot | /ˈpaɪlət/ | fly an aircraft; test a program |
| place | /pleɪs/ | put in a position |
| plan | /plæn/ | decide in advance |
| plant | /plɑːnt/ | put seeds/plants in the ground |
| play | /pleɪ/ | do for fun; take part in a game |
| plead | /pliːd/ | beg; make an emotional request |
| please | /pliːz/ | make happy; ask politely |
| plot | /plɒt/ | plan secretly; make a story line |
| pluck | /plʌk/ | pull off quickly |
| plug | /plʌɡ/ | connect; block a hole |
| point | /pɔɪnt/ | show with a finger; aim |
| polish | /ˈpɒlɪʃ/ | make smooth/shiny; improve |
| pollinate | /ˈpɒlɪneɪt/ | carry pollen to fertilize plants |
| pollute | /pəˈluːt/ | make air/water dirty |
| polarize | /ˈpəʊləraɪz/ | divide into two opposing sides |
| pommel | /ˈpɒm(ə)l/ | hit repeatedly with fists |
| ponder | /ˈpɒndə(r)/ | think carefully |
| poach | /pəʊtʃ/ | cook in water; hunt illegally |
| pop | /pɒp/ | burst; move suddenly |
| portray | /pɔːˈtreɪ/ | represent; describe |
| pose | /pəʊz/ | take a position; present a question |
| possess | /pəˈzes/ | own; have |
| post | /pəʊst/ | mail; publish online; put up |
| practise | /ˈpræktɪs/ | practice (UK spelling) |
| practice | /ˈpræktɪs/ | do repeatedly to improve |
| praise | /preɪz/ | express approval |
| pray | /preɪ/ | speak to God; hope strongly |
| preach | /priːtʃ/ | give a religious talk; strongly advise |
| precede | /prɪˈsiːd/ | come before |
| preclude | /prɪˈkluːd/ | prevent something from happening |
| predict | /prɪˈdɪkt/ | say what will happen |
| prepay | /ˌpriːˈpeɪ/ | pay in advance |
| prepare | /prɪˈpeə(r)/ | get ready |
| present | /prɪˈzent/ | show; give; introduce |
| preserve | /prɪˈzɜːv/ | keep safe/in good condition |
| press | /pres/ | push firmly |
| pretend | /prɪˈtend/ | act as if something is true |
| prevent | /prɪˈvent/ | stop something from happening |
| /prɪnt/ | produce text/images on paper | |
| proceed | /prəˈsiːd/ | continue; move forward |
| produce | /prəˈdjuːs/ | make; create |
| program | /ˈprəʊɡræm/ | write computer code; plan a schedule |
| progress | /ˈprəʊɡres/ | improve; move forward |
| prohibit | /prəˈhɪbɪt/ | officially ban |
| promise | /ˈprɒmɪs/ | say you will do something |
| prompt | /prɒmpt/ | cause quickly; encourage to speak/act |
| promote | /prəˈməʊt/ | support; advertise; give a higher position |
| propose | /prəˈpəʊz/ | suggest |
| prove | /pruːv/ | show as true |
| provide | /prəˈvaɪd/ | give; supply |
| publicize | /ˈpʌblɪsaɪz/ | make widely known |
| publish | /ˈpʌblɪʃ/ | make public; print/share |
| pull | /pʊl/ | move toward you |
| pump | /pʌmp/ | move air/liquid by pressure |
| pummel | /ˈpʌm(ə)l/ | hit repeatedly |
| punch | /pʌntʃ/ | hit with a fist |
| punctuate | /ˈpʌŋktʃueɪt/ | add punctuation; emphasize by interrupting |
| puncture | /ˈpʌŋktʃə(r)/ | make a small hole in |
| punish | /ˈpʌnɪʃ/ | penalize for wrongdoing |
| purchase | /ˈpɜːtʃəs/ | buy (formal) |
| pursue | /pəˈsjuː/ | try to achieve; follow |
| push | /pʊʃ/ | press; move forward |
| put | /pʊt/ | place |
| puke | /pjuːk/ | vomit (informal) |
| puree | /ˈpjʊəreɪ/ | blend into a smooth paste |
| pulverize | /ˈpʌlvəraɪz/ | crush into powder |
| purr | /pɜː(r)/ | make a low, soft sound (like a cat) |
| punt | /pʌnt/ | kick a ball; send away casually |
| pucker | /ˈpʌkə(r)/ | tighten into folds; purse lips |
Confusing P Verbs & Common Mistakes
Practice vs. practise
- practice is the standard spelling in American English.
- practise is commonly used as a verb in British English.
- Example: I practice/practise speaking every day.
Permit vs. allow
- permit is more formal and common in rules/signs.
- allow is more general in everyday speech.
- Example: The sign permits parking on weekends.
Exercises: Test Your Knowledge on “P” Verbs
Fill in the blanks
- Please ________ your phone on silent during the meeting. (put / pour)
- We need to ________ carefully before we start the project. (plan / peel)
- He didn’t ________ when the lights went out. (panic / park)
- She will ________ the results tomorrow. (publish / pinch)
- Don’t forget to ________ your homework before class. (prepare / pelt)
Match the definition
| # | Definition | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | to stop for a short time | a) preserve b) pause c) proceed |
| 2 | to convince someone | a) persuade b) patrol c) paste |
| 3 | to stop something from happening | a) prevent b) perform c) park |
| 4 | to give what is needed | a) provide b) point c) pace |
| 5 | to make public (a book/article) | a) punish b) publish c) push |
Answer key
Fill in the blanks: 1) put 2) plan 3) panic 4) publish 5) prepare
Match the definition: 1) b 2) a 3) a 4) a 5) b
Related:
- Adjectives that Start with P
- Nouns that Start with P
- Words that Start with P
- Positive Words that Start with P
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