VOCABULARY CHOICE: Verbs
VOCABULARY SHIFT
Many of the most common English verbs also tend to be replaced by Latinate verbs having a more precise meaning. As can be seen from the list below, these common Anglo-Saxon verbs can have many meanings.
Informal
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Formal (written)
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be
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be situated, be located, be placed, be positioned; be outlined, be listed, be described; serve as
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do
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perform, implement, execute, complete, conduct, function, operate
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get
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become, acquire, procure, receive, gain, obtain, achieve, attain
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give
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provide, offer, supply, transfer, yield; allow, permit, enable; contribute
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go
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proceed, pass, process, transfer, transmit
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be going to
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will
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happen
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occur
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have
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possess, include, incorporate, contain, involve, consist of, be composed of, comprise
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have to
have got to
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should, must, need to
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make
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produce, generate, create, assemble, build, construct, erect, fabricate, fashion, forge, form, frame, manufacture, mold
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mean
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denote, indicate, imply, suggest, signify
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put
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place, attach, insert, apply, connect, join, link, unite; adhere, anchor, secure, implant, imbed
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AVOID PHRASAL VERBS
Most phrasal verbs are formed from a small number of common verbs (such as get, go, come, put, do,
take, make, and set) and a small number of adverbs and prepositions (such as away, out, off, up and
in). However, for written academic style, a single-word Latinate verb is preferred whenever possible. This is one of the most dramatic shifts from informal
to formal style.
| Phrasal verb: |
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The aim of this study is to look at the growth dynamics and to find out the microbial populations living in the C140 prototype hydraulic system.
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| Latinate: |
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The aim of this study is to examine the growth dynamics and to determine the microbial populations living in the C140 prototype hydraulic system.
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Most phrasal verbs are formed from a small number of common verbs (such as get, go, come, put, do,
take, make, and set) and a small number of adverbs and prepositions (such as away, out, off, up and
in). However, for written academic style, a single-word Latinate verb is preferred whenever possible. This is one of the most dramatic shifts from informal
to formal style.
Informal
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Formal (written)
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bring up
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raise, present
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build up
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accumulate
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come up with
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devise, invent, develop; produce, supply
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do away with
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eliminate, obviate
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find out
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determine, develop; detect, observe;
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get rid of
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eliminate
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go down/up
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decrease, decline, diminish / increase, rise, augment
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take care of
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manage, operate
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