7 Common Business English Verbs to Start Using in Your Job

You probably know everyday English verbs like "do," "make," "take," and "have" really well. But this time, we’re going to focus on 7 common verbs that are super useful in the business world but might feel a bit trickier for English learners. These verbs are: reach, gain, earn, show, generate, build, and develop.

To help you use them confidently, we’ve also included examples of common phrases (collocations) that go with each verb, like reach a compromise, show appreciation, and gain knowledge. This way, you’ll sound more natural and polished in your English conversations!

Reach = to successfully achieve something that is 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 (usually slowly, step by step):

gain confidence
gain experience
gain knowledge
gain insight
gain market share
gain customers

Naturally, simply saving this list won't make you remember all these verbs and phrases with them. Sign up to our courses or Business English speaking workshop to activate new vocabulary and boost your English!

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 construct something (especially piece by piece):

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