Confusing Verbs in English | Important Question Words for Exams
The following verbs are frequently used to frame questions in exams. Understanding their exact meaning is essential for writing precise and high-scoring answers. Treat these as "Question Words" โ each carries a specific demand. Master them to interpret exam questions correctly.
1. Analyse (Analyze)
Meaning: To examine something in detail, methodically, to discover essential features or understand it fully. It often involves scientific or statistical methods.
We have to analyze the data received from the public as soon as possible to understand what exactly happened in the building.
2. Comment
Meaning: To express an opinion, criticism, or reaction in speech or writing.
Jack doesn't want to comment on his brother's character.
3. Contrast
Meaning: To show or write the striking differences between two or more things clearly when they are compared.
1) Contrast the social structures of England and America.
2) John contrasted his elder brother's mild behaviour with his younger brother's rough behaviour.
โข Distinguish โ To recognize or notice the differences between two things.
โข Compare โ To examine two or more things to find both differences and similarities.
4. Discuss
Meaning: To talk or write about something in detail, presenting arguments, opinions, and ideas, often to find solutions or make a decision. Even if only one person is writing, they should consider all aspects as if in a dialogue.
1) The Principal wants to discuss the matter with the vice-chancellor.
2) Discuss the burning issues about the farmers, recently brought to light by the reporters.
5. Describe
Meaning: To give a detailed account of something or someone by focusing on its main characteristics (what it is like).
Nancy described the incident very nicely.
6. Define
Meaning: To state clearly and exactly what something is or what it is like; to identify its essential qualities.
Define Democracy.
7. Elucidate
Meaning: To explain something very clearly, making it lucid and easy to understand through explanation or analysis.
Can you elucidate the matter?
8. Elaborate
Meaning: To give a detailed explanation of something, expanding it and adding more information. (Usually followed by 'on' or 'upon'.)
Can you elaborate on the theory?
9. Exemplify
Meaning: To explain or illustrate something by giving typical examples.
1) Your habits really exemplify the qualities of a good teacher.
2) Exemplify the latest trend and fashion of modern society.
10. Enumerate
Meaning: To mention or name a number of things separately, one by one, as a list. No detailed explanation is required โ just list the items.
Enumerate the foods that you like the most. (Just mention the names, no need to explain why.)
11. Evaluate / Assess
Evaluate: To make a judgement of something's value, quality, worth, importance, etc.
Assess: (Synonym) To judge, estimate, or calculate the value, quality, ability, or importance of something in detail.
The experiment has been evaluated by the researchers.
12. Examine
Meaning: To inspect or check something thoroughly and carefully to determine its value, nature, or condition.
1) The police examined my documents at the airport.
2) The patient's body has been examined by the doctors thoroughly to determine the real cause of the illness.
13. Explain
Meaning: To make something clear by describing it in detail or giving enough information so that it can be understood easily. Essentially, to clarify a topic.
1) Explain the statements given by the philosophers.
2) The students explained how the newly invented machine would work.
3) The officer explained the scheme to the villagers.
14. Illustrate
Meaning: To explain or make something clear using pictures, charts, graphs, tables, examples, etc. Also means to add explanatory drawings or examples to a text.
Illustrate your point of view.
15. Interpret
Meaning: To give or explain the intended meaning or significance of something.
It's very difficult for general people to interpret the quotations of the ancient philosophers.
16. Justify
Meaning: To show or prove that something (an action, statement, idea) is just, valid, reasonable, or true. You must argue in favour of it.
"Social media is destroying the life of teenagers." โ Justify.
(Here you have to prove how social media is destroying teenagers' lives, i.e., show the statement is true and reasonable.)
17. Narrate
Meaning: To give a spoken or written account of an event or tell a story in detail.
The author narrated his love story in detail.
18. Opine
Meaning: To express or give an opinion.
The officers opine that there must be a public tube well in every village.
19. Estimate
Meaning: To make an approximate judgement or calculation of the value, worth, size, etc. of something.
It's difficult to estimate how many beggars exist in the world.
20. Explore
Meaning: To search, investigate, or analyse something; to think or talk about it in order to assess it carefully.
21. Outline
Meaning: To give the summary or main facts of something (idea, plan, etc.) without going into all the details. Explain in a general way.
22. Summarise (Summarize)
Meaning: To state briefly the most important facts, points, or ideas about something in a concise and clear form. Give a concise statement of the main points.
23. Clarify
Meaning: To make something clear and understandable by explaining it in more detail and in a simpler way.
๐ Points to Note
English is a language just like your mother tongue. The key is simple:
- Listen and Speak, Read and Write, Learn and Practice โ that's it. Always remember, practice makes us fit to achieve what we really want.
Don't Believe in Quantity, Believe in Quality. | Being unique is better than being perfect. | Don't Just Do It Well โ Do It Brilliantly!
You May Read These Articles
| Some Beautiful Idioms & Phrases with IRON | Read Now โ |