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

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