Learn essential English verbs for hand movements. In this English lesson, we’re focusing on essential English verbs that every advanced speaker should know.
These verbs are crucial for sounding natural and confident in any conversation. You’ll learn to use powerful verbs that can transform your vocabulary and improve your fluency in English. Learn each verb in real situations, demonstrating how native speakers use them daily.
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Easy Guide to Essential Verbs
10 Essential English Verbs For Gestures
Harry
So, what do we have for you this week? We’re exploring English verbs related to hand actions. These verbs might seem simple, but they are key for clear communication. They help you explain your actions better and understand the gestures commonly used by English speakers.
These verbs are perfect if you want to improve your everyday conversations, enhance your business communication skills, or prepare for English proficiency exams. Knowing them helps you speak and understand English more clearly.
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clench
Meaning: to tightly close one’s fingers or hand into a fist, typically as a sign of anger, determination, or holding onto something tightly
Examples:
He clenched his fists tightly. It was obvious that he was really angry.
John clenched his fists in frustration, unable to contain his irritation any longer.
Lisa clenched her teeth to stop herself from saying something she might regret later.
clutch
Meaning: to grasp or hold something tightly and securely, often out of fear, urgency, or possessiveness
Examples:
He clutched his mobile phone so that nobody could take it and read the message.
At the award ceremony, celebrities were seen clutching designer clutches that matched their glamorous outfits.
I clutched my son’s hand so he wouldn’t run away.
10 Essential English Verbs For Gestures
fumble
Meaning: to handle something in a clumsy or inefficient way
Examples:
She fumbled through her bag, searching desperately for her keys.
He fumbled in his pocket for a moment before finally finding his pen.
gesture
Meaning: to move your hands or arms as a way of expressing something or communicating without using words
Examples:
She gestured toward the door, indicating that it was time to leave.
When he asked where the bathroom was, she gestured vaguely in the direction of the hallway.
grab
Meaning: to quickly take hold of something with your hand
Examples:
I’m going to grab a sandwich at lunchtime, do you want anything?
The food courier grabbed the meal bag from the restaurant and left quickly.
I’m going to grab something on the way to work. I’m in a hurry. I have a meeting at 9.
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grasp
Meaning: to hold something firmly and securely with your hand
Examples:
He quickly grasped his son’s hand to prevent him from running into the road.
She grasped the handrail tightly when the bus came to a sudden stop.
point
Meaning: to direct someone’s attention to something by extending a finger or another object towards it
Examples:
She gently reminded her child that it was rude to point at people.
She pointed towards the end of the road and mentioned that the café was just around the corner.
He pointed to the graph on the screen to emphasise the sales growth in the last quarter.
stroke/pet
Meaning: to lovingly run your hand over an animal or someone’s hair
Examples:
He gently stroked the dog’s head as it wagged its tail happily.
She gently stroked the cat as it purred and rubbed against her hand.
Children are encouraged to gently pet the friendly rabbits and goats at the petting zoo.
10 Essential English Verbs For Gestures
punch
Meaning: to strike something or someone with a closed fist, typically with force
Example:
Italian boxer Angela Carini said she had never been punched so hard.
He was punched on the street during a late-night argument and had to be taken to the hospital.
The teacher had to intervene in the fight when one boy punched the other.
fiddle
Meaning: to move or play with something in a restless or nervous way
Example:
He fiddled with his keys while waiting nervously for the interview to start.
People often fiddle with their hands when they feel nervous or impatient.
fidget
Meaning: to make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, driven by nervousness, impatience
Examples:
Please try to sit still and don’t fidget so much while I’m explaining the lesson.
During the long drive, the child started to fidget in the back seat.
That’s all for this week’s lesson on essential English verbs for gestures. We talked about ‘clench,’ ‘fumble,’ ‘gesture,’ ‘grab,’ and more. Remember, getting to know these verbs really helps when you want to speak English fluently and confidently. Try using them in your daily conversations and see the difference they make.
If you have any questions or need a bit more help, please reach out. You can find more tips and support on my website, englishlessonviaskype.com. Thanks for listening. Thanks for watching. I hope you join me again soon to keep improving your English.
Keep practising and happy learning!
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