Everyone is familiar with the most common verbs that we use in everyday English, such as "do", "make", "take", and "have". However, this lesson focuses on 7 common verbs used in the business world that English learners are generally less comfortable with. The seven verbs are: reach, gain, earn, show, generate, build, and develop.
Each verb has certain common objects that are often used with the verb, such as "reach a compromise", "show appreciation", and "gain knowledge". A list of these common objects has been included for each verb so that you can start using correct expressions in your English communication.
Reach = to successfully achieve something that was not easy, such as goals, complicated decisions and compromises or agreements during conflicts:
reach a goal
reach a target
reach a milestone
reach a decision
reach a consensus
reach a compromise
reach an agreement
Gain = to get more and more of something slowly
gain confidence
gain experience
gain knowledge
gain insight
gain market share
gain customers
Earn = to get something from hard work and effort
earn respect
earn trust
earn rewards/recognition
earn admiration
earn a good reputation
earn a degree
earn a promotion
earn a raise (higher salary)
Show = to display a feeling towards another person through actions or words
show empathy
show appreciation
show respect
show (regret)
show effort
show interest
Generate = to produce something from work or effort
generate sales
generate profits
generate publicity/buzz
generate ideas
generate solutions
generate awareness
Build = to slowly little by little create something strong
build a company
build a culture
build a brand
build a reputation
build trust
build a team
Develop = to create something by constantly adding more details to it
develop a strategy
develop a plan
develop a product
develop a process
develop software
develop a campaign
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Practice
Choose the correct verb to go with each object below:
build/ generate / reach / earn / develop / show / gain
I was able to ________ experience from working for my father's company
We can ________ more sales through advertising.
We'll _______ a good team by selecting the right people.
He was able to _______ respect from his boss by working hard each day.
It's important to ________ a clear strategy before entering a competitive market.
After a lengthy negotiation, we were able to ________ a compromise.
The company never _________ appreciation to its employees for their loyalty.
The purpose of this meeting is to _________ ideas for our staff party.
We were able to _________ insight by listening to experts in the industry during the conference.
The company could ________ its goal of 2,000 new members this year
It took many years for us to ________ this product but it was worth it.
We will _______ a culture at this company that focuses on transparency, trust, and collaboration.
I was able to _______ a promotion for my excellent performance.
We need to ________ a process of handling complaints that resolves problems faster.
Generally people _______ interest in any product or service that will solve a problem and make their life easier.
Answers
I was able to gain experience from working for my father's company
We can generate more sales through advertising.
We'll build a good team by selecting the right people.
He was able to earn respect from his boss by working hard each day.
It's important to develop a clear strategy before entering a competitive market.
After a lengthy negotiation, we were able to reach a compromise.
The company never shows appreciation to its employees for their loyalty.
The purpose of this meeting is to generate ideas for our staff party.
We were able to gain insight by listening to experts in the industry during the conference.
The company could reach its goal of 2,000 new members this year
It took many years for us to develop this product but it was worth it.
We will build a culture at this company that focuses on transparency, trust, and collaboration.
I was able to earn a promotion for my excellent performance.
We need to develop a process of handling complaints that resolves problems faster.
Generally people show interest in any product or service that will solve a problem and make their life easier.