Guide 52 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “take”
Six verbs that specify the type of taking.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Take" has dozens of senses. Pick the verb that matches what's actually happening — accept, assume, adopt, acquire, secure.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Assume formal
take on a responsibility or role
Assumed the interim CFO role.
- 02Adopt formal
take up a practice or policy
Adopted the open-source style guide.
- 03Accept neutral
agree to receive
Accepted the proposed terms.
- 04Acquire formal
come to possess
Acquired the smaller competitor in April.
- 05Secure neutral
lock in — seats, funding, contracts
Secured two new enterprise accounts.
- 06Undertake formal
formally commit to doing
Undertook a full compliance audit.