Learn 18 English verbs to describe movement. Most English learners use the same basic words to describe how people or things move. This lesson shows you better, more natural alternatives. You’ll learn useful vocabulary for describing movement clearly and fluently, whether you’re speaking, writing, or preparing for exams.
It’s designed for intermediate and advanced learners who want to build stronger vocabulary, understand how native speakers use everyday English, and prepare for exams like IELTS, CAE or TOEFL.
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List of Verbs of Movement
18 English Verbs to Describe Movement
Harry
In this advanced English lesson, we’ll explore 18 useful verbs that can help you speak more naturally and clearly. These are ideal for everyday conversations, storytelling, and improving your spoken vocabulary. If you often rely on basic words like “go,” “move,” or “walk,” this guide will give you a wider range of accurate and expressive alternatives to sound more fluent in real situations.
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soar
Meaning: to go up very quickly and usually very suddenly
Examples:
The rocket soared into the sky moments after the countdown finished.
Prices at the petrol pump have soared recently due to inflation.
hurtle
Meaning: to go somewhere quickly in a way that feels out of control
Examples:
The skier hurtled down the slope, unable to stop after losing control at the top.
The plane hurtled out of control until the co-pilot managed to take over and steady it.
zoom
Meaning: to use a camera or phone lens to make something appear closer
Example:
You can zoom in with your phone camera to see the animal clearly without getting too close.
zoom
Meaning: to move very fast, often with power or noise
Example:
The train zoomed through the station so fast you could feel the rush of air as it passed.
The Formula 1 cars zoomed past the camera with a loud roar as they sped around the track.
whizz
Meaning: to go through something very quickly, often making a soft sound
Examples:
You whizzed through that book. I can’t believe you finished it in just a couple of hours.
She whizzed around the supermarket and picked up everything she needed in record time.
18 English Verbs to Describe Movement
roll across
Meaning: to move by turning over along a surface
Examples:
The football rolled across the street after someone kicked it too hard.
He released the handbrake and the car rolled across the street.
The roll of carpet slipped from her hands and rolled across the floor.
plunge
Meaning: to fall or move suddenly downwards with force
Examples:
Gas prices could plunge if supply rises far above demand.
He plunged into the water after jumping from the top of the cliff.
whirl around
Meaning: to spin or turn in circles very quickly
Examples:
On a windy day, leaves and bits of rubbish whirl around in the street.
The couple whirled around the dance floor to the sound of the music.
whoosh (through)
Meaning: to move through a space at high speed, making a rushing noise
Examples:
The wind whooshed through the trees, rustling the dry leaves on the ground.
The cold wind whooshed through the bare trees on a winter morning.
crawl
Meaning: to move very slowly, often close to the ground
Examples:
The car was crawling along the road, making strange noises, so I pulled into the nearest garage.
The traffic crawled along all morning, and I ended up being late for work.
Before walking, the baby spent weeks crawling around the house.
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march
Meaning: to walk with firm, regular steps, often with purpose or in a group
Examples:
The soldiers marched in perfect step through the training grounds while their officer observed closely.
The band marched down the street, playing music as part of the festival procession.
leap
Meaning: to jump high or far with energy
Examples:
The squirrel leapt off the rock and over the stream.
A stingray suddenly leapt out of the water before disappearing beneath the surface.
drift (out/away)
Meaning: to move slowly from one place to another, usually without clear direction
Examples:
If you’re not careful, your air mattress can be drifted out to sea by the wind.
The boat drifted out into open water after it was left untied.
creep
Meaning: to move slowly and quietly, trying not to be noticed
Examples:
He crept up the stairs as he came in late at night because he didn’t want to wake the rest of the family.
The parents crept down the stairs late at night to put the presents under the tree.
The burglar crept around the house in the dark, trying not to wake anyone.
18 English Verbs to Describe Movement
limp
Meaning: to walk with difficulty because one leg or foot is weak or injured
Examples:
I twisted my ankle during a football match and was limping all weekend.
She went for a short walk but was still limping from a recent injury.
The dog limped around the garden after hurting its paw on a sharp stone.
stagger
Meaning: to walk as if you might fall, often from tiredness or shock
Examples:
He staggered down the stairs in the morning, still half-asleep and desperate for a coffee.
He staggered around the house after a night out, bumping into things and making a lot of noise.
He staggered to the sofa and collapsed in front of the fan on a hot summer day.
slide (down)
Meaning: to move smoothly down a surface while staying in contact with it
Examples:
The children took turns sliding down the big slide at the playground.
The kids laughed as they slid down the snowy hill on their sleds.
He failed to reach the later rounds in several tournaments and gradually slid down the world rankings.
rush
Meaning: to move quickly because you’re in a hurry
Examples:
I didn’t have time to finish my breakfast. I had to rush to catch the train.
I can only stay for a few minutes. I have to rush home. It’s my wife’s birthday. I promised I would take her out.
stroll
Meaning: to walk slowly and calmly, usually for pleasure
Examples:
We strolled around the park, enjoying the warm weather and the peace and quiet.
She spent the afternoon strolling around the shopping centre, just browsing.
The host strolled onto the stage to introduce the next act with a smile.
These verbs can make a big difference to how fluent and confident you sound in English. Try choosing a few and practise using them in real sentences.
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Thanks for watching, thanks for listening. This is Harry saying goodbye. Join me again soon.
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
English Idioms for Giving Advice and Warning
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
