In today’s competitive professional landscape, effective communication is essential for success. One key aspect of this communication is the use of precise and formal language, particularly when it comes to verbs. This blog post highlights eight essential verbs that can enhance your professional interactions, along with their meanings and practical examples. Whether you’re drafting emails, giving presentations, or engaging in discussions, mastering these verbs will help you convey your messages clearly and confidently.

1. Refuse /rɪˈfjuːz/

Definition: To say no or decline to do something.

• Example 1: He refused to sign the contract.
• Example 2: They refused the offer, asking for a better deal.

2. Prove /pruːv/

Definition: To demonstrate the truth or validity of something.

• Example 1: She proved her point with solid evidence.
• Example 2: The experiment proved that the theory was correct.

3. Proceed /prəˈsiːd/

Definition: To go forward or continue with an action.

• Example 1: After the break, we will proceed with the meeting.
• Example 2: You may proceed once you have received permission.

4. Overcome /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/

Definition: To succeed in dealing with a difficulty or obstacle.

• Example 1: He overcame his fear of public speaking.
• Example 2: The team overcame many challenges to win the championship.

5. Neglect /nɪˈɡlekt/

Definition: To fail to care for something or someone properly.

• Example 1: He was accused of neglecting his responsibilities.
• Example 2: The garden was neglected and overgrown with weeds.

6. Interact /ˌɪntərˈækt/

Definition: To communicate or engage with someone or something.

• Example 1: Students are encouraged to interact with their teachers.
• Example 2: The app allows users to interact with one another in real-time.

7. Expand /ɪkˈspænd/

Definition: To make something larger or more extensive.

• Example 1: The company plans to expand into new markets next year.
• Example 2: They decided to expand the kitchen by adding more space.

8. Criticize /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/

Definition: To express disapproval of someone or something.

• Example 1: He was criticized for not completing the project on time.
• Example 2: The movie was highly criticized by the media.