Based on a computer analysis of millions of words in construction contracts and project management manuals, here are the TOP 20 VERBS used most frequently.
Which do you already know? Which do you want to learn more about?
1. include
2. require
3. provide
4. perform
5. prepare
6. complete
7. determine
8. specify
9. involve
10. establish
11. identify
12. follow
13. ensure
14. submit
15. develop
16. affect
17. define
18. obtain
19.describe
20.cover
Here are some more basic verbs that are very common, but not included in the Top 20:
have
use
make
do
need
take
LANGUAGE DEEP DIVE
Construction Management Verb Collocations
Understanding which nouns follow specific verbs is crucial for professional communication. Native speakers don’t just “provide” something—they “provide documentation” or “provide access.” Learning verb-noun combinations builds your active vocabulary.
This is the reverse of studying contract management collocations, where you start with the noun.
How to Study: When you see a verb like “submit” in construction documents, notice what follows it. Proposals? Schedules? Shop drawings? Learn these patterns. For more on verbs with contract management terms, see our collocation guide.
Common Noun Collocations After Key Verbs
include
include specifications
include requirements
include submittals
“The contract documents include specifications for all mechanical systems.”
require
require approval
require coordination
require documentation
“This change order requires approval from the project owner.”
provide
provide documentation
provide access
provide warranties
“The contractor must provide documentation for all installed materials.”
perform
perform inspections
perform work
perform testing
“Quality control teams perform inspections at key milestones.”
“Perform” combines with “work” as a noun in contracts, while “work” as a verb describes activities.
prepare
prepare drawings
prepare schedules
prepare submittals
“The architect will prepare drawings for the renovation phase.”
complete
complete work
complete forms
complete punch list items
“The contractor must complete work before the certificate of occupancy.”
determine
determine costs
determine requirements
determine quantities
“The estimating team will determine costs for the additional scope.”
specify
specify materials
specify standards
specify procedures
“The project manual specifies materials for all exterior finishes.”
involve
involve coordination
involve multiple parties
involve site work
“Large projects involve coordination between numerous consultants.”
establish
establish procedures
establish timelines
establish budgets
“Project teams establish procedures for document control.”
identify
identify issues
identify conflicts
identify deficiencies
“BIM coordination helps identify issues before construction begins.”
follow
follow procedures
follow specifications
follow safety protocols
“All contractors must follow procedures in the project manual.”
ensure
ensure compliance
ensure quality
ensure coordination
“Project managers ensure compliance with building codes.”
submit
submit proposals
submit shop drawings
submit RFIs
“Contractors must submit proposals by the bid deadline.”
develop
develop schedules
develop plans
develop solutions
“Scheduling teams develop schedules that reflect project sequencing.”
affect
affect schedule
affect budget
affect scope
“Material delivery delays can affect schedule and completion.”
define
define scope
define requirements
define responsibilities
“Contract documents define scope for all construction phases.”
obtain
obtain permits
obtain approval
obtain materials
“The contractor must obtain permits before starting work.”
describe
describe work
describe conditions
describe procedures
“Technical specifications describe work required for each trade.”
cover
cover costs
cover requirements
cover multiple phases
“The contract sum will cover costs for design and construction.”
Related Resources
These verbs work with construction action verbs and core construction nouns.
