29 Critical Verbs

To break something down into parts

• infer
• distinguish
• analyze

To express clearly

• explain
• retell
• articulate

To quote as an example, authority, or proof

• refer
• cite
• explain

To examine in order to discover likenesses or differences

• compare
• delineate
• trace

To understand; find meaning

• determine
• infer
• comprehend

To compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them

• synthesize
• contrast
• evaluate

To describe in sharp or vivid detail

• delineate
• describe
• synthesize

to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence; to illustrate and explain especially with examples

• explain
• demonstrate
• organize

To tell the facts, details

• retell
• describe
• trace

To find out or come to a decision

• distinguish
• determine
• suggest