Describing Phenomena with Active Verbs

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Which do you prefer—the phrase "to cut or split something into two theoretically and
essentially equal parts," or the simple verb "bisect"? Which is easier to write and to read—the
phrase "unite into what is essentially one body," or the simple verb "coalesce"? As you explain
scientific phenomena, your readers will be highly pleased with you if you offer them lively,
exact, direct, robust, vibrant, single-word verbs. Furthermore, your writing will be less wordy
and more clear. However, many writers are tempted in the other direction. Trying to sound
impressive, some would write "The device is prone to the submission of one pulse every 12
seconds" instead of the much simpler and more accurate "The device transmits one pulse every
12 seconds." Always beware of overcomplicating your verbs, and remember that their function
is to describe actively and efficiently.

Many verbs are used continually in one field but rarely in another, so it is essential that you
become familiar with those verbs that are standard vocabulary in your field. The verb "induce,"
which means "to produce an electric current or magnetic effect by induction," should be
standard vocabulary for someone in physics or electrical engineering, while the verb "sinter,"
which means "to weld without melting," should be familiar and useful to those in metallurgy (it
also doubles as a noun in geology).

Plenty of meaningful single-word verbs are out there just waiting for you to use them. One easy
way to choose the best verb is to consult the brief (and certainly not exhaustive) list that follows
to search for the kinds of active verbs that the best writers choose. The verbs are organized
randomly to stress that they are not interchangeable nor to be used arbitrarily. Even though
the exact verb that you need to describe a phenomenon may not be on this list, the verbs on
the list do suggest the kind of verbs that you should choose. Many students tell me they turn to
this list as they write a paper just to keep their minds tuned-in to using single-word active verbs.
For efficiency, accuracy, and your own credibility as a technical writer, always aim for the best
and simplest verb. If you are unsure of a verb’s exact meaning, be sure to look it up.

A Short List of Active Verbs That Describe Phenomena

discharge overlie emanate radiate scatter

exchange separate surround combine eliminate
emit transmit carry bombard exert
exude interact behave exchange absorb
converge extend constrain force elongate
contract trend plunge occur fracture
continue mix slow quicken produce
bond interlock fuse deteriorate migrate
encompass access traverse join dominate
deposit underlie overlap originate isolate
invade permeate evolve divide sinter
reclaim restore abandon contain accrue
precede influence saturate circulate forecast
orient distribute allow lag terminate
activate cease record form transect
condense enrich invert convert alter
link superimpose rotate rupture streamline
appear require ascend descend collapse
superpose crystallize bisect cede coalesce
disperse disseminate disintegrate propel repel
accelerate transfer penetrate halt curb