Search 45 formal verbs common in reports, emails, and essays, with a plain-English meaning for each
| Verb | Context | Plain-English Meaning | Example |
|---|
No verbs match your search.
A few of these verbs get overused to the point of sounding like filler in CVs and cover letters. They're still correct — just make sure they're doing real work in the sentence, not padding it.
Fine when something concrete is being used as an advantage: leverage existing client relationships. Weak as a vague buzzword on its own.
Usually just means "use" — use the tool reads more naturally than utilize the tool in most sentences.
Often better replaced with a concrete verb like coordinate or combine that says exactly what's happening.
Precise when you mean "make a process easier" — vague when it's standing in for "help" with no process attached.
Business and academic writing lean on a shared set of formal verbs — precise, neutral in tone, and better suited to reports, emails, essays, and CVs than their everyday equivalents. Knowing the plain-English meaning behind each one makes it much easier to use them correctly instead of just reaching for them because they sound professional.
How to use it: type a verb, its meaning, or a context ("business" or "academic") into the search box — the table filters instantly as you type.