Updated on December 24, 2024
by PushtoLearn
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Verbs That Start With C

Verbs that start with C range from common actions like "call" and "cook" to more specific terms like "coordinate" and "contemplate." In this article, you’ll find a list of the top 50 verbs starting with C, complete with definitions and examples, along with featured verbs grouped by topics, common uses, and tips to avoid mistakes.

List of Top 50 Commonly Used Verbs that Start with C

Verb

Definition

Example

Calculate

To determine something mathematically

"She calculated the total cost of groceries."

Call

To contact someone by phone or name

"He called his friend to check on her."

Calm

To make someone or something quiet or peaceful

"She calmed the crying baby."

Cancel

To call off or annul

"The meeting was canceled due to bad weather."

Capture

To take hold of or seize

"The photographer captured the perfect sunset."

Carry

To move or transport something

"She carried a heavy bag to the car."

Catch

To seize or capture something

"He caught the ball during the game."

Celebrate

To honor or mark an occasion

"We celebrated her birthday with a party."

Change

To make or become different

"He changed his outfit before the event."

Charge

To ask for a payment or to accuse someone

"The hotel charged extra for breakfast."

Chase

To pursue someone or something

"The cat chased the mouse around the room."

Chat

To talk informally

"They chatted about their weekend plans."

Check

To examine or verify

"He checked the report for errors."

Choose

To select from a range of options

"She chose the blue dress for the party."

Chop

To cut into small pieces

"He chopped the onions for the salad."

Claim

To assert ownership or demand something

"She claimed the prize after winning the contest."

Clean

To remove dirt or mess

"He cleaned the windows until they shone."

Clear

To remove obstacles or obstructions

"The workers cleared the road after the storm."

Climb

To move upward using hands and feet

"They climbed the mountain together."

Close

To shut something

"She closed the door quietly."

Collect

To gather or bring together

"He collects stamps as a hobby."

Combine

To join or mix two or more things

"The recipe combines chocolate and nuts."

Comfort

To soothe or console someone

"She comforted her friend after the bad news."

Command

To give an authoritative order

"The officer commanded the troops to advance."

Communicate

To share or exchange information

"They communicated through text messages."

Compare

To examine differences and similarities

"She compared the two phones before deciding."

Compete

To strive against others for a goal

"He competed in the marathon last year."

Complain

To express dissatisfaction

"She complained about the noise from the construction."

Complete

To finish or accomplish something

"He completed the project ahead of schedule."

Concentrate

To focus attention on something

"She concentrated on studying for her exam."

Conclude

To bring to an end or reach a decision

"He concluded his speech with a joke."

Conduct

To lead or guide

"The scientist conducted an experiment on climate change."

Confirm

To establish truth or certainty

"She confirmed the appointment over the phone."

Connect

To join or link together

"The bridge connects the two cities."

Consider

To think carefully about something

"He considered the job offer before accepting it."

Consist

To be made up of

"The team consists of five players."

Consult

To seek advice or guidance

"She consulted her doctor about the symptoms."

Contain

To hold or include

"The jar contains homemade jam."

Continue

To persist or carry on

"They continued their journey despite the rain."

Contribute

To give or add to something

"She contributed to the charity fund."

Control

To exercise authority over

"He controlled the temperature with the thermostat."

Convert

To change something into another form

"They converted the garage into a home office."

Cook

To prepare food using heat

"She cooked a delicious dinner for the family."

Cooperate

To work together toward a goal

"The students cooperated on the group project."

Copy

To duplicate or reproduce

"He copied the notes for his classmate."

Correct

To make free from errors

"She corrected the spelling mistakes in the essay."

Count

To determine the total number

"The teacher counted the students in the classroom."

Cover

To place something over

"He covered the pot with a lid to keep it warm."

Create

To bring something into existence

"The artist created a masterpiece."

Cross

To move from one side to the other

"They crossed the river using a wooden bridge."

Cry

To shed tears

"The baby cried loudly when it was hungry."

Cut

To divide or shape with a sharp tool

"He cut the paper into small shapes."


Communication

  • Call: To contact someone by phone or shout their name.
    Example: "I called her to discuss the meeting."
    Synonyms: Contact, Ring, Dial.

  • Communicate: To exchange information effectively.
    Example: "They communicated their ideas clearly."
    Synonyms: Convey, Express, Share.

Problem-Solving

  • Check: To verify or ensure accuracy.
    Example: "Check the results before submitting the form."
    Synonyms: Examine, Inspect, Review.

  • Consider: To think carefully before making a decision.
    Example: "She considered all options before responding."
    Synonyms: Ponder, Reflect, Deliberate.

Action and Movement

  • Catch: To grab or seize something.
    Example: "He caught the falling book just in time."
    Synonyms: Snatch, Grasp, Capture.

  • Climb: To ascend using hands and feet.
    Example: "The adventurers climbed the steep hill."
    Synonyms: Scale, Ascend, Mount.

Illustration of Verbs That Start With C

Everyday Use of Verbs Starting with C

  1. Cook:

    • Example: "I cooked breakfast for the family."

    • A daily action in homes and restaurants.

  2. Call:

    • Example: "I called my mom to say hello."

    • Frequently used in both personal and professional contexts.

  3. Clean:

    • Example: "He cleaned the kitchen after dinner."

    • Common in household and workplace settings.

  4. Celebrate:

    • Example: "We celebrated her promotion with a party."

    • Often associated with joyous occasions and events.

  5. Choose:

    • Example: "She chose a new book to read."

    • A practical verb used for decisions in daily life.

Common Mistakes

  1. Confusing “Check” with “Inspect”

    • Mistake: "He inspected the weather for tomorrow."

    • Correction: "He checked the weather for tomorrow."

  2. Misusing “Create” for “Invent”

    • Mistake: "She invented a painting."

    • Correction: "She created a painting."

  3. Mixing “Conclude” and “Conclude with”

    • Mistake: "He concluded his essay a joke."

    • Correction: "He concluded his essay with a joke."

  4. Using “Cry” Figuratively Incorrectly

    • Mistake: "The baby cries for celebration."

    • Correction: "The baby cries for attention."

FAQ

What’s the difference between “Create” and “Generate”?

"Create" focuses on bringing something into existence, while "generate" often refers to producing or causing something.

How can I use “Choose” correctly in a sentence?

Use "choose" to indicate making a decision, e.g., "She chose the blue option."

What are synonyms for “Communicate”?

Share, Convey, Express, Transmit.

How do I use “Capture” metaphorically?

Use it to describe seizing abstract concepts, e.g., "The story captured my imagination."

Is “Cook” used only for food?

While primarily for food, "cook" can be metaphorical, e.g., "He cooked up a plan."

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