10 Advanced Verbs to Elevate Your English Language Skills

Mastering the English language is an exciting journey, and one key aspect of this journey is vocabulary expansion. Verbs, in particular, are essential for demonstrating action and intent. In this post, we will explore ten advanced verbs that can improve your English skills. By understanding and including these words in your everyday conversations and writing, you can express yourself with greater precision and confidence.

Let's have a look at some C1 / C2 Advanced level verbs;

Ameliorate

To ameliorate means to make something better or improve a situation. This verb is especially relevant when discussing ways to enhance conditions. For example, "The new policy aims to ameliorate the living conditions of low-income families by increasing access to affordable housing and education." Using this verb elevates your writing by providing a sophisticated way to express improvement that resonates more profoundly with your audience.

Augment

The verb augment refers to increasing or adding to something. It's commonly used when discussing growth or expansion. For instance, "The company plans to augment its workforce by 30% to meet the growing demand for its products." By using this term, you articulate growth effectively, helping others to visualize the impact of an expansion.

You may be familiar with the term 'Augmentation', which is often used as a broad expression to mean improve or better something.

Often used in both the tech industry and plastic surgery industry.

Bolster

To bolster means to support or strengthen something. This verb shines in discussions about reinforcing ideas or arguments. For example, "The evidence presented in the study bolsters the theory that climate change is accelerating, as 2020 was one of the hottest years on record." Using "bolster" adds depth to your arguments and can make your writing more persuasive and authoritative.

Concur

The verb concur signifies agreement or sharing the same opinion. It is particularly useful in formal discussions or debates. For instance, "The experts concur that immediate action is essential to tackle the environmental crisis, with 85% of surveyed scientists supporting this view." Incorporating "concur" helps you express agreement in a sophisticated manner, enhancing the credibility of your discussions.

Corroborate

To corroborate means to confirm or support a statement, theory, or finding. This verb is vital in academic or research contexts. For example, "The findings of the new study corroborate previous research that indicates a 30% increase in cognitive function with adequate sleep." Using "corroborate" boosts your credibility and showcases a strong command of language in scholarly discussions.

Discern

The verb discern means to perceive or recognize something with careful consideration. It comes in handy when distinguishing between various elements. For example, "In a world filled with misinformation, it can be challenging to discern the truth, especially when studies show that a significant portion of information online is misleading." By using "discern," you enhance your ability to articulate complex observations clearly.

Mitigate

To mitigate means to lessen the severity or impact of something. This verb is often relevant in discussions about risk management. For instance, "The government implemented measures to mitigate a predicted 5% increase in unemployment due to the economic downturn." Using "mitigate" conveys a sense of responsibility, showing proactive thinking in your writing.

Perpetuate

The verb perpetuate means to make something continue indefinitely. It is often used in discussions about traditions or societal issues. For example, "The media can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes that harm marginalized communities, with studies showing that repetitive exposure can influence public perception significantly." Including "perpetuate" allows for nuanced discussions about ongoing issues in society.

Reconcile

To reconcile means to restore friendly relations or make different ideas compatible. This verb is useful in discussions about conflict resolution. For example, "The two parties were able to reconcile their differences and reach a mutual agreement, ultimately leading to a 20% increase in collaboration." Using "reconcile" helps add depth to conversations about relationships and finding common ground.

Speculate

The verb speculate means to form a theory or conjecture without firm evidence. It’s often used when discussing possibilities. For example, "Many scientists speculate that there is a potential for life on other planets, particularly in environments similar to Earth." Incorporating "speculate" allows you to express curiosity and open-mindedness in your discussions.

I asked ChatGPT to create a paragraph with all 10 of these words just for fun and this is what it came up with;

In an effort to ameliorate tensions between the two departments, the manager sought to reconcile their differences and bolster communication. While some team members speculate about the root of the conflict, others concur that clearer leadership would mitigate the ongoing issues. A recent report seems to corroborate these concerns, helping leadership discern patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. To ensure future problems don’t perpetuate, the company aims to augment its training programs and foster a more collaborative environment.

Try reading that above paragraph aloud as a test for your English speaking, reading and understanding skills. A very professional, advanced way to say; 'the company changed some things in order to improve'....

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Enriching your vocabulary with advanced verbs is a vital step in mastering the English language. The ten verbs highlighted in this post—ameliorate, augment, bolster, concur, corroborate, discern, mitigate, perpetuate, reconcile, and speculate—serve as powerful tools that will enhance your communication skills.

By incorporating these verbs into your writing and conversations, you will express your thoughts with clarity and confidence. Remember, learning a language is an ongoing process. Each new word brings you closer to fluency. Embrace these advanced English vocabulary words, and watch your language skills thrive!