Learn 10 verbs to describe reading in English, important vocabulary that will boost your speaking and writing skills.
These verbs are essential whether you’re preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE, or just want to improve your English.
Perfect for anyone looking to take their English to the next level and sound more like a native speaker. Improve your English vocabulary, enhance your language skills, and master these essential verbs for better English proficiency.
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Essential English Verbs
Verbs to Describe Reading in English
Harry
In today’s lesson, we’re focusing on 10 essential verbs to describe reading in English. These verbs will help you improve your conversational English, business English, and overall language skills.
Understanding these verbs will enhance your vocabulary and comprehension, whether you’re flicking through a magazine or poring over a document.
Let’s dive into these helpful reading verbs and see how they can improve your English skills.
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to flick through something
Meaning: to quickly turn the pages of a book or magazine without reading it thoroughly
Examples:
While waiting for the doctor, he flicked through a stack of magazines in the waiting room.
She flicked through the recipe book, looking for something quick to make for dinner.
to glance
Meaning: to take a quick look at something
Examples:
She glanced at the headlines quickly while checking the news.
When he saw the documents left on his desk, he glanced at them to see what they were about.
Verbs to Describe Reading in English
to look through
Meaning: to examine something by searching within it, often by sorting or scanning the contents
Examples:
I don’t have time right now, but I’ll look through this document later.
I’ll look through the CVs to check if the candidates have the credentials we need.
to browse
Meaning: to casually look through something, such as books or websites, often without a specific goal in mind
Examples:
Harry’s favourite pastime is browsing in a bookshop, finding interesting books to read.
Browsing in a bookstore often leads to finding unexpected treasures.
Many people spend hours browsing the internet for interesting articles and videos.
to scan
Meaning: to quickly look over a text to find specific information or get the main idea
Examples:
Harry quickly scans the document for grammar mistakes as soon as he gets it.
When practising speed reading, it’s important to scan the text for key points and main ideas.
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to devour
Meaning: to read something eagerly and quickly, with great interest
Examples:
She devoured the mystery novel, finishing it in just a few hours.
If the book is a page-turner, I will devour it from cover to cover in one sitting.
to pore over
Meaning: to read or examine something very carefully and attentively
Examples:
He’s been poring over those accounts for hours now, trying to find the mistake.
She pored over her notes, making sure she understood everything for the test.
to skim (over/through)
Meaning: to read quickly through a text to get the main ideas without focusing on the details
Examples:
I skimmed over them quickly last night. I have a general idea of what they are about.
I skimmed through the article to get the main points.
Verbs to Describe Reading in English
to riffle (through)
Meaning: to quickly flip through the pages of a book or stack of papers, often to get a general sense of the contents
Examples:
She riffled through the document to find the specific page she needed.
He riffled through the stack of magazines, looking for something interesting to read.
to study
Meaning: to read carefully and thoroughly in order to learn and understand information
Examples:
I need to study the chapter on photosynthesis in my biology textbook.
She spent the evening studying the chemistry formulas for her exam.
So here you have 10 verbs to describe reading in English. Mastering these essential verbs will greatly enhance your English vocabulary and comprehension. These verbs will help you express yourself better in casual and professional settings.
Keep practising these verbs, and soon you’ll notice a significant improvement in your English skills.
If you have any questions or need more examples, feel free to contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com.
Happy learning!
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
