Clear Action Verbs
The verbs below are not necessarily tied to the categories in which they have been placed. They are meant to draw out a more accurate, descriptive picture of what someone actually does. They are preferable to terms such as “works with,” “responsible for,” “administers,” and “processes,” which are generic in nature and do not provide enough information regarding what specifically is done, or the levels of complexity and responsibility involved.
Data
Accesses or locates (from databases or files)
Analyzes
Checks or verifies
Compares and/or contrasts
Complies and gathers
Computes or tabulates
Copies or records
Corrects
Creates (information)
Deletes
Designs or devises
Determines or decides
Describes
Develops
Edits, revises, or updates
Enters or files (data)
Establishes
Evaluates
Forecasts
Formulates
Forwards, releases, routes, or transmits
Identifies
Interprets or judges
Investigates or research
Logs
Measures or weighs
Organizes
Proofreads
Prepares (statistics, summaries)
Prints or runs (reports)
Reads and absorbs
Reconciles
Reviews
Submits
Studies
Surveys
Synthesizes
Writes
People
Advises, or recommends or suggests
Aids, assists
Approves or authorizes
Assigns
Asks or requests of
Communicates to/with
Confers or coordinates
Directs
Encourages
Explains or states
Facilitates or conducts
Hires
Instructs or trains
Interviews
Mentors
Negotiates
Notifies
Orders
Persuades, diverts, or sells
Presents to
Provides input or feedback, or responds
Reports to
Schedules
Serves or helps
Speaks to
Supervises or leads
Takes instructions or requests
Things
Accepts (goods, materials)
Carries
Cleans or sanitizes
Delivers
Diagnosis or troubleshoots
Drives
Handles
Inspects
Installs
Mails
Maintains
Manipulates
Modifies or alters
Operates, controls
Picks up
Pulls and/or pushes
Purchases or orders
Sets up or constructs
Sorts or separates
Stamps
Transports