| Ask → Enquire | ask is informal/neutral; enquire is formal | I would like to enquire about the position advertised. |
| Get → Obtain | get is informal/neutral; obtain is formal | Researchers were able to obtain the necessary funding. |
| Use → Utilise | use is neutral; utilise is formal (but avoid overusing) | The facility can be utilised by all members. |
| Find out → Ascertain | find out is informal; ascertain is formal | The inspector sought to ascertain the facts. |
| Start → Commence | start is neutral/informal; commence is formal | The proceedings will commence at 9am. |
| End → Conclude | end is neutral; conclude is formal | The study concluded that further research was necessary. |
| Say → State / Assert | say is neutral; state/assert are more formal and precise | The report states that pollution levels have risen. |
| Show → Demonstrate | show is neutral/informal; demonstrate is formal | The results demonstrate a clear correlation. |
| Think → Consider / Deem | think is informal; consider/deem are formal and more precise | The committee considered the proposal unsuitable. |
| Help → Facilitate | help is informal/neutral; facilitate is formal (enable/make easier) | Technology can facilitate communication across borders. |
| Big → Substantial / Significant | big is informal/vague; substantial/significant are formal and precise | The project required a substantial investment of resources. |
| Bad → Detrimental / Adverse | bad is informal/vague; detrimental/adverse are formal | The changes had a detrimental effect on productivity. |