Power Verbs to Upgrade Your Professional English

Level: Intermediate • Date: April 15, 2025

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What Are Power Verbs and Why Use Them?

Have you ever said something in English that felt a little too soft or unsure? Maybe you said, “I helped with the project” or “I worked on a report.” These phrases are okay, but they don’t always show how much impact you really had. If you want your English to sound more confident, active, and professional, power verbs are your new best friend.

Power verbs for professional English are strong, clear action words that help you describe your work more impressively and accurately. They give your sentences energy and show leadership, results, and ownership.

Let’s look at some examples:

Instead of saying:

• “I helped with the design.” Try:
• “I contributed to the design.”
• “I supported the design team.”
• “I led the design strategy.”

These small changes can make a big difference.

Where to Use Power Verbs

In Meetings

When sharing updates, say “I initiated,” “I resolved,” or “I coordinated.” These power verbs for professional English help show what you really accomplished.

In Emails

Replace soft phrases like “just wanted to say” with clear ones like “I’m confirming” or “I’m requesting.”

In Resumes or Profiles

This is where power verbs really shine. Say “developed,” “achieved,” “negotiated,” or “launched.”

Power verbs don’t need to be long or fancy. The goal is to sound clear, confident, and capable.

Practice Makes Powerful

Let’s try it: Think of one task you did today. Now upgrade it with a power verb. Instead of “I worked on the budget,” say “I managed the budget review.”

The more you practice, the easier it gets. Soon, power verbs for professional English will become a natural part of your communication at work.

Vocabulary

1. Initiated (v.) – started something new. *”She initiated the new reporting system.”
2. Resolved (v.) – found a solution to a problem. *”He resolved a client issue quickly.”
3. Coordinated (v.) – organized people or tasks. *”They coordinated the team project.”
4. Contributed (v.) – gave help or ideas. *”I contributed to the design plan.”
5. Managed (v.) – controlled or handled a task. *”She managed the project timeline.”
6. Launched (v.) – started something officially. *”We launched a new product.”
7. Achieved (v.) – reached a goal. *”He achieved his sales target.”
8. Negotiated (v.) – discussed to reach an agreement. *”They negotiated a better deal.”
9. Supported (v.) – helped or assisted. *”I supported the finance team.”
10. Upgraded (v.) – improved something. *”We upgraded the software system.”

5 Questions About the Article

1. What are power verbs?
2. Why are power verbs useful in professional English?
3. Where are three places you can use power verbs?
4. What is a better way to say, “I helped with the design”?
5. What does the verb “resolved” mean?

5 Open-Ended Questions on the Topic

1. Which power verbs do you already use at work?
2. Can you think of a time when a strong verb helped you sound more confident?
3. How could power verbs help in a job interview?
4. Which verbs from today’s list do you want to try using this week?
5. What is one way you can practice using power verbs every day?

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