Professional words for “do”
Six upgrades for the most overused verb in business writing.
"Do" is a utility verb — almost empty. In writing, a more specific verb tells the reader what kind of action: executing a plan, completing a task, conducting a review, performing a procedure. Reach for the shape of the work.
- 01Perform formal
structured or procedural action
Perform the reconciliation before close.
- 02Execute formal
carry out per a plan or order
Execute the migration in three stages.
- 03Complete neutral
bring to finish
Complete the audit by Friday.
- 04Conduct formal
organised proceedings (review, study)
Conduct a review of the policy.
- 05Undertake formal
accept and begin a sustained task
Undertake the rewrite over Q2.
- 06Carry out neutral
implement instructions
Carry out the steps in the runbook.
"Do" is not wrong, just lossy. Keep it for informal or spoken registers; trade up in anything that will be read.