10 Most Important Verbs for SAT Writing

Definition: To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.

Basic Example: The teacher emphasized the importance of punctuality.

Intermediate Example: The author emphasizes the key points of the argument with strong evidence.

Advanced Example: In her persuasive essay, she emphasized the need for immediate action on climate change by presenting compelling statistics and real-life examples.

Synonyms: underscore, highlight, stress

Memorization Tip: Remember “emphasize” as simply “adding emphasis” to your words.

Definition: To make something clear; to explain.

Basic Example: The teacher elucidated the homework instructions.

Intermediate Example: The guide elucidates the complex theories in simple terms.

Advanced Example: His research paper elucidates the nuances of economic theory by breaking down sophisticated models into understandable parts.

Synonyms: clarify, explain, illuminate

Memorization Tip: Link “elucidate” with “lucid” to remember that it means to make clear.

Definition: To weaken or damage something, especially gradually.

Basic Example: Criticism can undermine a person's confidence.

Intermediate Example: The scandal undermined the credibility of the political leader.

Advanced Example: By exposing inconsistencies in the opponent’s argument, the debater skillfully undermined the entire proposal.

Synonyms: weaken, sabotage, erode

Memorization Tip: Picture slowly eroding a structure; that’s what “undermine” does to an argument.

Definition: To support or strengthen.

Basic Example: The data bolstered his argument.

Intermediate Example: New evidence bolstered the theory that renewable energy is effective.

Advanced Example: Their financial contributions bolstered the organization’s campaign, ensuring its success against overwhelming odds.

Synonyms: reinforce, support, fortify

Memorization Tip: Think of “bolster” as a support beam that holds up a structure.

Definition: To prove a statement or theory to be wrong.

Basic Example: He refuted the rumor with facts.

Intermediate Example: The researcher refuted the outdated hypothesis by presenting new data.

Advanced Example: In his critique, he refuted the author’s argument by systematically dismantling each supporting point with empirical evidence.

Synonyms: disprove, rebut, invalidate

Memorization Tip: “Refute” means to provide proof against something; think “refutation” as a counter-argument.

Definition: To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.

Basic Example: He substantiated his claim with reliable sources.

Intermediate Example: The analyst substantiated the report with comprehensive data from various studies.

Advanced Example: The professor substantiated his theory by meticulously citing decades of research and empirical evidence.

Synonyms: prove, validate, confirm

Memorization Tip: Think “substance” – providing substance to an argument.

Definition: To provide examples or explanations that make something clear.

Basic Example: The chart illustrates the growth of the company.

Intermediate Example: The author used a story to illustrate the main argument.

Advanced Example: By presenting real-life examples, the writer effectively illustrated the broader implications of the policy.

Synonyms: demonstrate, exemplify, show

Memorization Tip: Think of “illustrate” as drawing a picture with words.

Definition: To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.

Basic Example: She advocates for animal rights.

Intermediate Example: Many experts advocate reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change.

Advanced Example: The organization advocates comprehensive reform in the education system to ensure equal opportunities for all students.

Synonyms: support, champion, promote

Memorization Tip: Think “add a voice” for a cause when you hear advocate.

Definition: To admit that something is true, typically reluctantly.

Basic Example: He conceded that he was wrong.

Intermediate Example: After a lengthy debate, she conceded that her opponent had a valid point.

Advanced Example: Though reluctant at first, the senator eventually conceded that the new policy had merit.

Synonyms: admit, acknowledge, yield

Memorization Tip: “Concede” means to give in or accept, even if reluctantly.

Definition: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.

Basic Example: The spokesperson asserted the company’s commitment to quality.

Intermediate Example: In his essay, he asserts that education reform is necessary for societal progress.

Advanced Example: The author asserts her position with such confidence that even critics are compelled to reconsider their views.

Synonyms: declare, maintain, claim

Memorization Tip: “Assert” means to state firmly—imagine someone asserting their right to speak.