Policies and Procedures
Position Descriptions
Ambiguous Action Words
(updated 6/09/2005)
Ambiguous Action Words
The following is a short list of ambiguous, or imprecise, action words. While these words, if used in an appropriate context, may be used (such as "Endorses a check"), their use in duty statements should be avoided.
| Accepts | Interacts |
| Accompanies | Interfaces |
| Accomplishes | Is In Charge Of |
| Acts For/As | Is Available |
| Aids | Is Responsible For |
| Appears (before a group) | Keeps Records |
| Ascertains | Maintains |
| Assists | Makes |
| Assumes Responsibility For | May (perform, serve, etc.) |
| Attends | Orients |
| Briefs | Participates |
| Carries Out (instructions) | Performs |
| Communicates | Prepares |
| Conducts | Processes |
| Cooperates | Provides |
| Effects | Receives |
| Endorses (an idea) | Relates |
| Enforces | Replies To |
| Engages In | Responds To |
| Ensures | Requests |
| Establishes | Requires |
| Executes (an action) | Secures |
| Facilitates | See That |
| Follows (instructions) | Serves As (in a functional role) |
| Follows-up | Supervises |
| Functions As | Supports |
| Furnishes | Takes Necessary Action |
| Gives | Talks |
| Handles | Understands |
| Helps | Uses |
| In Cooperation With | Utilizes |
| Initiates | Verifies |
| Institutes | |
| Insures |