Verbs are especially important for writing clear essays. Often, you can convey a nuanced meaning simply by choosing the right verb.

You should use strong verbs that are precise and dynamic. Whenever possible, you should use an unambiguous verb, rather than a generic verb.

For example, alter and fluctuate are stronger verbs than change, because they give the reader more descriptive detail.

Here are some useful verbs that will help make your essay shine.

Verbs that show change:

• Alter
• Accommodate
• Evolve
• Fluctuate
• Generate
• Transform
• Transition
• Vary

Verbs that relate to causing or impacting something:

• Constrain
• Control
• Govern
• Ignite
• Impact
• Influence
• Inhibit
• Initiate
• Instigate
• Introduce
• Promote
• Provoke
• Stimulate
• Trigger

Verbs that show increase:

• Advance
• Develop
• Enlarge
• Exceed
• Extend
• Facilitate
• Improve
• Implement
• Maximize

Verbs that show decrease:

• Alleviate
• Cease
• Decline
• Depress
• Descent
• Deteriorate
• Minimize
• Subside
• Reduce

Verbs that relate to parts of a whole:

• Comprises of
• Is composed of
• Constitutes
• Encompasses
• Includes
• Incorporates

Verbs that show a negative stance:

• Caution
• Challenge
• Contend
• Contradict
• Deny
• Disagree
• Dismiss
• Dispute
• Disregard
• Invalidate
• Misconstrue
• Negate
• Refute
• Reject
• Question

Verbs that show a positive stance:

• Admit
• Advocate
• Affirm
• Assert
• Complement
• Emphasize
• Endorse
• Highlight
• Declare
• Maintain
• Substantiate
• Suggest
• Support
• Underscore
• Uphold
• Validate
• Verify

Verbs that relate to drawing conclusions from evidence:

• Allude
• Attest
• Confirm
• Convey
• Corroborate
• Demonstrate
• Document
• Entail
• Establish
• Hint
• Imply
• Indicate
• Present
• Reveal
• Signify
• Summarize
• Surface
• Unearth
• Yield

Verbs that relate to thinking and analysis:

• Analyze
• Appraise
• Assess
• Believe
• Clarify
• Concede
• Contend
• Consider
• Contemplate
• Define
• Derive
• Determine
• Diagnose
• Discuss
• Dissect
• Evaluate
• Examine
• Explore
• Hypothesize
• Identify
• Ignore
• Infer
• Interpret
• Investigate
• Observe
• Perceive
• Postulate
• Presume
• Recognize
• Refer
• Scrutinize
• Speculate
• Surmise
• Theorize

Verbs that relate to showing information in a visual format:

• Denote
• Depict
• Describe
• Display
• Illustrate
• Portray
• Represent
• Typify