Based on the analysis of millions of words in construction publications, these are the TOP 20 most common verbs used in construction.
Which do you know? Which do you need to learn more about?
- provide
- make
- require
- form
- include
- apply
- support
- set
- cut
- install
- contain
- build
- place
- design
- produce
- cover
- call
- consist
- prevent
- allow
LANGUAGE DEEP DIVE
Construction Action Verbs and Their Collocations
Understanding which nouns follow specific action verbs is fundamental to fluent construction communication. These 20 verbs represent core actions from design through completion. Learn these verbs with their natural noun partners to describe design, construction, and coordination clearly.
For more on nouns, see core construction nouns. For project management verbs, see construction management verbs.
How to Study: Architects don’t just “design”—they “design spaces” or “design systems.” Engineers don’t just “provide“—they “provide calculations” or “provide analysis.” Notice what follows these verbs.
Common Noun Collocations After Action Verbs
provide
provide access
provide drawings
provide calculations
“The architect must provide drawings for all interior elevations.”
make
make connections
make decisions
make revisions
“The design team will make revisions based on feedback.”
require
require approval
require coordination
require detailing
“Design changes require approval from the architect and owner.”
form
form concrete
form spaces
form enclosures
“Interior walls form spaces that define the building program.”
include
include specifications
include details
include notes
“Construction documents include specifications for all finish materials.”
apply
apply finishes
apply loads
apply coatings
“The architect specified how to apply finishes to exposed concrete.”
See our guide on “Apply” vs “Install.”
support
support loads
support design decisions
support coordination
“Steel beams support loads from the floors above.”
set
set elevations
set dimensions
set standards
“Architects set elevations based on site grades and building codes.”
cut
cut sections
cut openings
cut materials
“The architect will cut sections through the building.”
install
install finishes
install equipment
“Mechanical contractors install HVAC systems according to design documents.”
See our guide on “Apply” vs “Install.”
contain
contain spaces
contain requirements
contain information
“Partition walls contain spaces for different functions.”
build
build structures
build models
build assemblies
“Architects build physical models to study design alternatives.”
place
place concrete
place equipment
place orders
“Contractors place concrete in continuous pours to avoid cold joints.”
design
design buildings
design systems
design details
“The architect will design the building envelope to meet energy codes.”
produce
produce drawings
produce documents
produce schedules
“The team produces construction documents during design development.”
cover
cover surfaces
cover requirements
cover costs
“Metal panels cover the exterior wall assembly.”
