Download Verbs used in essays

Handouts
Verbs used in essays
Verb
Analyse
Argue
Comment
Compare
Contrast
Criticise
Define
Describe
Discuss
Enumerate
Evaluate
Examine
Explain
Identify
Illustrate
Interpret
Justify
List
Outline
Prove
Relate
Review
State
Summarise
Trace
Meaning
Identify the component parts of the topic, examine each part in detail
and show how the parts relate to each other
Present a case for and/or against a particular proposition. Justify your
case by linking it to a particular theory and research evidence
Briefly discuss the topic in a critical way
Present similarities and differences between the items specified
Present differences between the items specified
Make judgments about the merit of various features of the particular
topic, supporting your judgment with appropriate evidence from theory
and research
Present the precise meaning of the topic as clearly as possible. Justify
andy limitations imposed by the definition
give a detailed account of the topic, using examples to illustrate the
various points
Present in detail all sides of the particular topic, relating them to
appropriate evidence from theory and research
Present and describe the various items one by one
Present an appraisal of the worth of the particular matter in terms of an
appropriate frame of reference, such as its usefulness, its truth, or its
advantages and disadvantages. Support this by referring to appropriate
evidence from theory and research
Describe the particular ideas and comment on their implications
Present the main ideas of the topic in a way that makes their meaning
clear to the reader
List and describe the particular matters
Use examples to explain or clarify the topic
Explain the meaning of the particular matter, on the basis of theory, fact
or opinion
Give reasons to support a particular position or conclusion
Present the information required in a series of notes rather than
continuous prose
Present the main features or general principles of the topic in a way
that shows how they relate to each other. Do not present minor details
Give sufficient reasons to convince the reader that a position or
conclusion is valid
Show how the specified ideas are connected to each other
Present a critical survey of the important ideas in the topic. This may
involve re-analysing previous conclusions
Present the required information concisely and clearly
Present the main ideas or substance of the topic, but do not include
details or examples
Present the required ideas in an appropriate chronological order