Striving, Risking, or Revealing (On): English Vocabulary List

to direct one's attention, energy, or efforts toward a particular goal, task, or objective

"Focus on the task."

"The team decided to focus on improving customer service to boost overall satisfaction."

to provide information to law enforcement or authorities about someone's actions, particularly illegal or unethical actions

"He informed on his accomplice."

"The criminal decided to inform on his accomplices in exchange for a reduced sentence from the judge."

to demand something firmly and persistently

"I insist on speaking with manager."

"My mother always insists on washing the dishes immediately after dinner instead of letting them soak in the sink."

to reveal information that was meant to be kept a secret

"Do not let on about the surprise."

"He knew about the surprise party but he did not let on that he had seen everyone hiding in the living room."

to give away information one has obtained about someone, particularly to someone in authority

"I will tell on you."

"The little girl told on her brother for eating a cookie before dinner even though their mother had said not to."

to watch an event or incident without getting involved

"The crowd looked on in amazement."

"The crowd looked on in horror as the building collapsed during the powerful earthquake."

to secretly observe someone or something with the intention of gathering confidential or hidden information

"Don't spy on your friends."

"The jealous husband hired a private detective to spy on his wife and find out where she was going every afternoon."

to focus one's effort, time, or attention on something in order to achieve a particular goal

"She works on her project all day."

"I need to work on my presentation tonight because I am presenting it to the board tomorrow."