business trip verb meaning

What is a business trip? Definition and examples

If you visit somewhere for work purposes, i.e., on behalf of your company, that is a business trip. The term applies to both the journey to your destination and your trip back. In most cases, the trip is not a short one.

Collins Dictionary has the following definition of the term :

“A journey made somewhere and back again for business purposes in one’s working capacity.”

Business trip vs. business travel

The two terms refer to the same action or activity. However, their uses are not the same.

Business travel

Business travel refers to traveling on behalf of your employer generally. Although it is a singular term, i.e., business travel and not business travels , it refers to all trips for work purposes. It is a general term .

I might say, for example: “Business travel is becoming a significant part of our airline’s income.” In this case, we are talking in general.

I cannot use business travel for just one journey. For example, I cannot say: “I’m sorry, Jane is away. She is on a business travel.” I would have to say: “I’m sorry … She’s on a business trip.”

Business trip

This term refers to just one journey. We need to use the plural if we are talking in general.

For example, if I wanted to talk about my airline’s revenue, I would say: “Business trip s are becoming a significant part of our airline’s income.” I would not be able to use the singular form.

Reasons for business travel

In all the examples below, your employer is paying for travel, accommodation, etc.

• Meeting with customers or clients.
• Visiting suppliers.
• Attending a conference.
• Attending a course.
• Identify new markets, trends, and consumer traits elsewhere.
• Visiting somewhere to check the progress of a project.
• Visiting a prospect. A prospect is a company or person that you think could turn into a paying customer.
• Apologizing to a customer.
• Your purpose is PR or public relations , such as taking part in a press conference.
• The ROI from the trip is more than its cost. ROI stands for return on investment .
• Your employer sends you somewhere to fix, for example, equipment.
• Networking. There are many people you can meet away from work with whom you or your company could do business.
• Face-to-face meetings are usually more effective than using email, VoIP, texting, etc. Sometimes they are necessary.

Business travelers typically claim their expenses by filling a report , in which they list how much they spent on local public transport, meals, taxis, phone calls, etc.

Negatives and positives of business travel

Business trips may be extremely rewarding experiences. However, for some people, especially if they have families, there is a price to pay.

Regular business travelers frequently feel loney. Some of them may show signs of deteriorating mental health and even depression. According to Adam Perotta in a Business travel News article in December 2019, over 20% of business travelers said they experienced negative mental health effects.

Regarding the survey, Perotta wrote :

“22 percent of respondents reported that business travel had a “very” or “somewhat” negative impact on their mental health. Twenty-one percent indicated that even thinking about an upcoming work trip caused stress. Factors causing that angst include the toll travel takes on physical health, sleep schedules, personal relationships, personal finances and productivity.”

Traveling regularly on behalf of your company may mean missing major family events, which can contribute significantly to relationship problems.

Jet lag can play havoc with our body clock, productivity, and mental and physical health. Eating small meals before and during your flight, refraining from consuming alcoholic drinks, drinking plenty of water, and getting plenty of rest beforehand can help reduce the negative effects of jet lag.

In a Small Business Trends article, Samson Haileysus wrote that the vast majority of small company owners enjoyed their work-related trips. Approximately fifty-five percent of small business owners travel for work purposes at least once each month. Sixty percent of them spend three nights away from home during each trip.

Haileysus added:

“Surprisingly enough almost all (88%) small business owners who travel for business do enjoy traveling. In fact, just under three in four (72%) say they wish they traveled for business more often.”

Corporate travel is a huge market

Business travel is worth hundreds of billions of dollars each year globally. The biggest spenders on business trips are the United States and China.

In the United States, there are over 405 million business trips annually (long distance). For every working day, approximately 1.1 million Americans are traveling for work purposes.

The world’s most popular destination is New York City, while Shanghai is the fastest growing. Trondent Development Corp. made the following comment regarding the importance of business travel for airlines:

“Business passengers represent 75 percent of an airline’s profits despite only being 12% of their total passengers. But the money is well spent: every $1.00 spent on business travel creates $15 of profit for increased sales.”

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Definition of 'business trip'

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More From Forbes

12 key steps when planning a business trip.

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For the business professional who has been in their field for some time, business trips have most likely become a common occurrence. If you're new to the world of executives, however, a business trip may be both an exciting opportunity and a daunting task.

Sadly, while businesses pay for their executives or employees to go on business trips to expand the company's influence, they rarely teach them what to expect when they set out on that visit. To aid newcomers to the position prepare for both the expected and unexpected aspects of a business trip, 12 members of   Forbes Coaches Council share some of the most crucial steps everyone should take when planning such a trip.

Members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss techniques they take to ensure the success of their business trips.

1. Stay Travel-Ready

Traveling used to be incredibly stressful for me and I've found the easiest way to handle this was by staying travel-ready. I have a speaking capsule wardrobe, so I never have to stress about anything fitting or coordinating. I keep duplicates of my makeup bag, toiletries and supplements. And I order healthy snacks and water to be delivered to my hotel room, so I'm fueled up for a busy day. - Racheal Cook , Racheal Cook MBA

2. Make Preparation Your Travel Buddy

Being overprepared can become a huge benefit. I like to research who will be there and the area and pack more than I need. One time, I showed up without my suit and I was the keynote speaker! It was quite embarrassing—luckily, I knew what stores were in the area and I was able to grab a backup just in time. Whether you're speaking or simply attending, go overprepared. - Miranda VonFricken , Miranda VonFricken Mastermind Coaching

3. Establish Membership Programs

If you've never been traveling for business before and expect to start, start exploring airline, hotel and rental car membership programs. Also, research a credit card that gives you extra points toward travel expenses. If you plan to do a lot of business traveling, these programs pay you back. Over time, these programs make traveling even easier with perks and upgrades. - John Knotts , Crosscutter Enterprises

4. Plan For Unexpected Delays

Planning for travel (essentials plus backup headphones, hefty power sources for recharging, etc.) is key for a smooth trip. Unexpected delays are often the greater challenge. Maximizing “work time” while on board will help reduce frustration and the time cost of traveling. Upgrade to premium economy or first class for easy in and out, the highest productivity and space to use your laptop and be in work mode. - Christy Geiger MCC, CPCC , Synergy Strategies Coaching & Training

5. Create A Clear System

Create a system that will help with all your trips. Have a packing list and check the weather for your destination so that you can prepare accordingly. Plan out your meals so that you can cater to any dietary needs you might have. Do you have access to a gym? Learn about the transportation systems and the availability of ride-sharing in that city. Will you be walking? Then you'll need comfy shoes! - Carolina Caro , Carolina Caro

6. Network Before You Get There

Many first-timers and even experienced business travelers leave the networking for when they attend the meeting or conference, but sometimes it is too late when they do. Why is that? Isn't the purpose of travel to meet, talk and network when you get there? Not if you want to get the most out of business travel. What could you do? Know people's bios, connect on LinkedIn and plan for a better meeting. - John M. O'Connor , Career Pro Inc.

7. Take Extra Care

If you're traveling for work, remember that you are the most important asset. If you get tired or sick, you cannot bring your A-game, which is why they hired you. Everything counts. As a speaker, I block off time to decompress, eat well, sleep well and limit my time with people before I travel. Because I want to bring high energy on stage, even as an extrovert, I'm mindful of how I spend my time. - Monica Kang , InnovatorsBox

8. Pack Light And Stay Productive

I was in my early 20s when I took my first business trip and I wish someone would have told me that packing light is key. Throughout the years I also learned to carry my work with me. From handling work calls to finishing up presentations at the airport, it’s all possible if you prepare all your tools ahead of time. There's plenty of time to be productive when you travel. Staying productive is key. - Adriana Rosales , Adriana & Company™ LLC

9. Don't Check A Bag

Because I’m a guest expert on TV and coach clients on TV shows, I spend more than 150 nights a year in Marriott hotels alone. The most important thing for any traveler is to not check a bag. Checking a bag causes you to wait at baggage claim, and often bags don’t show up. Get a great carry-on, fill it to the max and carry your bag on every time. Never check a bag. - Clint Arthur , Celebrity Entrepreneur

  10. Consider Cultural Differences

Cultural difference doesn't always happen in different countries or continents. If you live in the Midwest, LA is a different country. The dress codes, after-hours interactions, salutes, handshakes, collaborations and even ways to present in a meeting can be different. Talk to a friend, co-worker or even the person you will meet about general rules and protocol. That can save you from making a bad first impression. - Susan Ibitz , HUMAN BEHAVIOR LAB

11. Back Up Your Laptop

Every time I travel for a business trip (or any time I travel with my laptop), I always make sure that my files (the entire Documents folder) are backed up to an external hard drive and that mission-critical files for that particular trip are backed up to the cloud and a thumb drive so that I've got access to them should my laptop die, get stolen, etc. - Annette Franz , CX Journey Inc.

12. Always Bring A Presenter's Kit

Take a speaker’s kit! A laptop, presentation remote (I use the Logitech Spotlight), cables and adapters for any TV, monitor or projector and your signature speech is an absolute must. Anytime you have a chance to share your personal or business story to any size audience could land you the deal or opportunity of a lifetime. My big wins from being prepared include TV, publishing and massive brand deals. - Mike Koenigs , MikeKoenigs.com

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Understanding the Distinction: Travel, Trip, and Journey Explained

Zackary Hooper

Ever find yourself scratching your head over when to use ‘travel’, ‘trip’, or ‘journey’? Me too. In fact, these terms are commonly misused by even the most well-traveled folks among us.

Table of Contents

As an English language aficionado and travel enthusiast, I dove deep into linguistic resources to clear up this confusion once and for all. This blog will guide you through the nuances of these three words , helping you navigate your way to flawless English usage in any travel context .

Ready for departure?

Key Takeaways

• Travel refers to going to a place, especially far away.
• Trip involves traveling from one place to another, usually for a short period of time.
• Journey implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.
• Proper usage of these terms is essential in effectively conveying our experiences.

Definition and Differences between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel is a verb that means going to a place, especially far away, while trip refers to the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time. Journey, on the other hand, implies traveling from one place to another without necessarily returning.

Travel as a verb meaning to go to a place, especially far away

Travel, as a verb, emphasizes the act of moving from one location to another. This movement often involves significant distance between the two points. For instance, you might say you are traveling to Europe or Asia from America – places that are undoubtedly quite far from each other.

Notably, travel doesn’t always require a return trip; it merely notes the action of going somewhere far . Even voyages into space can be considered travel! So next time you utter “I love to travel,” note that this phrase speaks volumes about your passion for exploring distant destinations and embracing new experiences on a broader geographic scale .

Trip as the process of traveling from one place to another, usually for a short time

When we talk about a trip, we’re referring to the act of traveling from one place to another. It’s usually for a short period of time and involves moving between different locations .

Think of it as going on a vacation or taking a quick getaway. A trip can be as short as a day or extend over several days, but it generally doesn’t involve staying in one place for an extended period.

So whether you’re heading out on a road trip with friends or catching a flight to explore new cities, remember that a trip is all about the process of getting from point A to point B , enjoying the journey along the way.

Journey as traveling from one place to another, not necessarily returning

A journey is all about the experience of traveling from one place to another, without the expectation of returning . It can be a long and exciting adventure, with multiple destinations along the way.

Unlike a trip or travel, which often involves going somewhere and then coming back, a journey implies forward movement and exploration . It’s like embarking on a voyage of discovery, where you’re eager to see what lies ahead and open to new experiences.

Whether it’s backpacking through Europe or sailing around the world, a journey offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-discovery .

Common Uses and Examples of Travel, Trip, and Journey

– Travel: “I love traveling to different countries , experiencing new cultures and exploring exotic destinations.

– Trip: “We took a weekend trip to the beach, enjoying sun-kissed days and relaxing by the seaside.”

– Journey: “His journey across the desert was filled with challenges and self-discovery as he embarked on a soul-searching adventure.”

Travel: “I love to travel to different countries.”

I absolutely adore exploring different countries . Experiencing new cultures, trying unique cuisines , and immersing myself in unfamiliar landscapes is what makes travel so thrilling for me.

Whether it’s wandering through ancient ruins in Greece or hiking through the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica, I find immense joy in venturing beyond my comfort zone and discovering all that the world has to offer.

Travel opens my eyes to different perspectives and allows me to create lasting memories that I cherish forever.

Trip: “We went on a business trip to New York.”

Last week, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to New York . It was an exciting experience that allowed me to explore the bustling city and meet with important clients . During the trip, we visited various companies , attended conferences , and even had some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New York.

Being able to immerse myself in a different environment for a short period of time was both refreshing and educational. Overall, it was a successful trip that helped us strengthen our professional relationships and achieve our business goals.

Journey: “His journey around the world took him three years.”

I embarked on a three-year journey around the world, exploring new cultures and experiencing incredible adventures along the way. From bustling cities to remote villages, my journey allowed me to immerse myself in different landscapes and meet fascinating people from all walks of life.

It was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective on the world.

Clarifying Misuses of Travel, Trip, and Journey

Many people mistakenly use the term “travel” for short distances, but it should be reserved for going to faraway places. To understand the proper usage of these words, read on!

Incorrect uses of travel: “He traveled to the grocery store.”

Using the word “travel” to describe a short trip to the grocery store is incorrect. Travel usually refers to going to a distant place, especially far away. So, it’s important to use this term appropriately and not for everyday local trips like grocery stores.

Proper uses of the terms: “I traveled to Europe.”

I traveled to Europe for my summer vacation. It was an exciting travel experience filled with new cultures, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. The proper use of the term “travel” in this context refers to going somewhere far away , especially to a different country or continent .

In this case, I embarked on an adventure from my home country to Europe, immersing myself in each destination’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Traveling to Europe broadened my horizons and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Understanding the Nuances between Travel, Trip, and Journey

Travel, trip, and journey may seem similar, but they each have their own nuances. Read on to delve deeper into the distinctions between these terms and how to use them correctly in your everyday conversations.

Travel focuses on the action of going to a distant place.

Travel allows us to embark on exciting journeys to faraway destinations. It is the act of physically moving from one place to another , often to distant locations . Whether it’s exploring a new country , immersing ourselves in different cultures , or experiencing thrilling adventures , travel is all about the exhilarating action of venturing beyond our comfort zones .

So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences!

Trip emphasizes the process of traveling and staying in a place.

A trip is all about the journey itself and the experience of being in a specific place . It focuses on the process of traveling from one location to another, while also emphasizing the time spent staying in that particular place.

Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip to a nearby city or embarking on a week-long vacation, a trip is about immersing yourself in new surroundings and enjoying everything that destination has to offer.

Journey implies a longer and more significant travel experience.

When embarking on a journey, you can expect a more extensive and meaningful travel experience . Unlike a simple trip or travel, a journey often involves exploring multiple destinations or pursuing a specific purpose .

It encompasses the idea of venturing into the unknown and embracing new challenges along the way. Whether it’s an epic road trip across several countries or a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites, a journey offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation .

It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures , navigate unfamiliar terrain, and create lasting memories. So if you’re seeking an adventure that goes beyond mere transportation from point A to point B, set out on a journey that will take you further and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Conclusion and Importance of Using the Correct Terms

Understanding the distinctions between travel , trip, and journey is crucial in accurately conveying our experiences . By using these terms correctly, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion .

So whether we’re embarking on a short trip or a life-changing journey , let’s remember to use the right words to describe our adventures ! Keep exploring and keep traveling!

1. What is the difference between travel, trip, and journey?

Travel refers to the act of going from one place to another, while a trip is a specific instance of traveling for a particular purpose or destination. A journey, on the other hand, implies a longer and more meaningful experience that may involve personal growth or transformation.

2. Can you give examples of each term – travel, trip, and journey?

Sure! Travel can include activities like flying to a different country or taking a road trip across states. A trip could be going on vacation to Disneyland or visiting family over the holidays. And a journey might involve backpacking through Europe for several months or embarking on a spiritual retreat.

3. Is there any overlap between these terms?

Yes, there can be some overlap between these terms depending on context. For example, someone’s “trip” may also be considered their “journey” if it involves self-discovery or exploration. Similarly, long-term travel experiences may encompass both the notions of “travel” and “journey.”

4. How does understanding the distinction between these terms help in communication?

Understanding the distinction between travel, trip, and journey helps in effective communication as it allows us to accurately describe our experiences and intentions when discussing our travels with others. It provides clarity and avoids confusion by using appropriate terminology when sharing stories or making plans involving different types of travel experiences.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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Definition of trip

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Definition of trip  (Entry 2 of 2)

• peregrination

Examples of trip in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English trippen , from Anglo-French treper, triper , of Germanic origin; akin to Old English treppan to tread — more at trap

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 3a

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing trip

• business trip
• lay / put a guilt trip on
• roll / trip off the tongue
• on a power trip
• round - trip ticket
• trip - hammer
• trip the light fantastic

Dictionary Entries Near trip

trioxymethylene

Cite this Entry

“Trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trip. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of trip.

Kids Definition of trip  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on trip

Nglish: Translation of trip for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trip for Arabic Speakers

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101 Business Verbs That Will Transform Your English Writing From Casual to Professional

Tweeting your friends and texting your family is very different from writing reports and sending emails at work . 

When you write to your friends, family and social media followers, you use  casual (informal) English. But when you write to people at work, casual English will probably sound too informal.

So what can you do to sound more professional and businesslike?

It’s not as difficult as you think. Let’s take a closer look at casual versus business English , and then I’ll give you a list of 101 verbs to use in business writing.

Casual English vs. Business English

101 english verbs for business that make you sound professional, 1. administer ( manage ), 2. advocate ( support ), 3. analyze ( look closely ), 4. apologize ( say sorry ), 5. appoint ( pick ), 6. appraise ( estimate the value of ), 7. approve ( okay ), 8. arrange ( organize ), 9. assign ( give a task to ), 10. assist ( help ), 11. attend ( come ), 12. audit ( examine ), 13. authorize ( allow ), 14. budget ( plan ), 15. clarify ( make clear ), 16. close ( end ), 17. collaborate ( work together ), 18. compile ( gather ), 19. complete ( finish ), 20. compute ( calculate ), 21. conduct ( carry out ), 22. consolidate ( combine ), 23. contact ( get in touch with ), 24. convert ( change ), 25. coordinate ( get to work together ), 26. critique ( review ), 27. customize ( personalize ), 28. delegate ( assign ), 29. deliver ( bring ), 30. discuss ( talk about ), 31. direct ( lead ), 32. dispatch ( send ), 33. diversify ( vary ).

• 34. Document (Record)

35. Draft ( Write )

36. earn ( make money ), 37. eliminate ( remove ), 38. empower ( enable ), 39. ensure ( make sure ), 40. estimate ( guess ), 41. evaluate ( think over ), 42. execute ( put into action ), 43. expand ( grow ), 44. explain ( tell about ), 45. facilitate ( make it easier ), 46. forecast ( predict ), 47. impact ( affect ), 48. implement ( make something happen ), 49. inform ( let someone know ), 50. initiate ( start ), 51. innovate ( come up with a new idea ), 52. interpret ( make sense of ), 53. invest ( put money in ), 54. iterate ( repeat ), 55. launch ( introduce ), 56. maximize ( increase ), 57. minimize ( cut down ), 58. modernize ( update ), 59. monitor ( watch closely ), 60. negotiate ( find a middle ground ), 61. operate ( run ), 62. optimize ( improve ), 63. oversee ( watch over ), 64. prepare ( get ready ), 65. present ( show ), 66. prioritize ( rank ), 67. propose ( suggest ), 68. provide ( give ), 69. pursue ( look for ), 70. qualify ( meet the requirements ), 71. quantify ( measure ), 72. receive ( get ), 73. recruit ( hire ), 74. reinforce ( toughen ).

• 75. Reject (Refuse)

76. Renew ( Extend )

77. reply ( answer ), 78. report ( give information ), 79. represent ( stand for ), 80. reserve ( book ), 81. resolve ( find a solution ), 82. restore ( bring back ), 83. restructure ( reorganize ), 84. retain ( keep ), 85. retire ( stop working ), 86. retrieve ( get back ), 87. revise ( make changes to ), 88. satisfy ( reach ), 89. screen ( filter ), 90. select ( choose ), 91. specify ( give more information ), 92. submit ( hand in ), 93. sustain ( maintain ), 94. target ( aim ), 95. test ( try ), 96. train ( teach ), 97. troubleshoot ( solve problems ), 98. utilize ( use ), 99. validate ( confirm ), 100. value ( appreciate ), 101. verify ( double-check ).

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You probably already use casual (everyday) English, which makes you sound natural, friendly and informal. For example, to greet a friend, you might say “Hey!”

Business English, on the other hand, uses formal words that sound professional . If you see a coworker or business partner, you might say “Hello” instead, for example. We also want to be more  concise (to the point) in business, which means using fewer words to  convey (show) the same meaning.

Luckily it’s not hard to sound professional in your business writing. Sometimes it can be as easy as replacing one or two casual words or phrases with a professional word.

Note that although we’re suggesting them for writing, the 101 verbs below can be used in both written and spoken English. So apart from using them in your business writing, don’t be afraid to use all of the professional verbs below when speaking at work or in business situations. And while professional words make you sound more formal, you can still use these verbs in casual settings as well.

Now let’s look at 101 professional verbs you can use to replace the “casual” verbs in parentheses. I’ll talk about whether you can use them interchangeably (be able to replace one with the other), give you example sentences for each word and quick notes on each.

You can use both “administer” and “manage” in a business context. “Administer,” however, has a more formal meaning (can you guess what an  administrator does?) and will sound strange if used in a casual context.

Casual: She manages the day-to-day operations to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Professional: Mr. Smith is responsible for administering the team’s projects.

“Advocate” and “support” can be both verbs and nouns. In noun form, an “advocate” means “someone who advocates or supports.”

Casual: I will support your decisions no matter what.

Professional: The CEO advocates for more women in upper management positions.

In British English, “analyze” is spelled as “analyse.” The resulting product or report would be an analysis .

Casual: Look closely at that spot on the wall.

Professional: They regularly analyze customer feedback to figure out how to improve their products.

We usually use the phrase “say sorry” with children and in other casual situations. In business, however,  we often use the verb “apologize” instead.

Casual:   You should say sorry for making her worry.

Professional:   We should apologize for making the customer wait.

In business, we often use the word “apology,” the noun form of the verb “apologize.” If you are in a situation where you need to say sorry or apologize, you owe (someone) an apology.

We owe the customer an apology for making him wait.

As a business verb, “appoint” is always used for a person and in a formal context. “Pick,” on the other hand, is better suited to a casual context and applies to a broader range of objects.

Casual: Do you know who they picked as the new manager?

Professional: The board of directors appointed Ms. Perez as the new COO.

“Appraise” is often used in the context of assessing or estimating the value of an  asset (something that has monetary value) like real estate or jewelry.

Casual: Can you estimate the value of a watch just by looking at it?

Professional: The real estate agent wants to appraise the value of the property.

Managers have a lot of responsibilities, including approving (or not approving) leaves, projects, etc. Of course, you’ll hardly ever hear the word “okay” used in a business context, but the two can be interchangeable in a casual context.

Casual: My manager okayed my vacation leave.

Professional: My manager approved my maternity leave.

In a business context, “arrange” has a slightly different meaning from, say, arranging the clothes in your closet. Here, it means something like planning a meeting, trip, etc.

Casual:  Amy organized a birthday party for her sister Elsa.

Professional: Have you arranged the meeting with the client?

“Assign” and “give a task to” are interchangeable, although “assign” is much more concise.

Casual: I think you should give that task to Carla.

Professional: You may want to assign that task to Carla.

While the word “help” can be used as both a verb and a noun, in this example it is used as a verb. You can use the verb “assist” instead in the context of getting help or support from someone.

Casual:   I need you to help John with his homework.

Professional: I need you to assist the customer with his laptop.

“Help” can also be used as a noun. Similarly you can replace it with the noun form of the verb “assist,” which is “assistance.”

Casual:   I need your help with my homework.

Professional:   This customer needs your assistance with his laptop.

“Come” can only be replaced with the professional verb “attend” in the context of coming or being present at an event (such as a seminar or training course).

Casual:   I’m sorry but I can’t come to your brother’s wedding.

Professional:   I’m sorry but I can’t attend this week’s meeting.

“Audit” usually means to examine something (like a report) and make sure it follows certain standards. “Examine” can be used to replace “audit” but not the other way around, since “examine” is a more general term.

Casual:  I think we should examine those numbers more closely.

Professional: My job is to audit the employees’ performance reviews.

Unlike in a casual context, someone who authorizes or allows something in a business context always does so in writing. Again, you can replace “authorize” with “allow,” but it doesn’t work the other way.

Casual: Her parents are really strict. They don’t even allow her to have her own phone.

Professional: The manager authorized the transfer of funds.

Both “budget” and “plan” can be used as nouns and verbs. This is another case where you can replace “budget” with “plan,” but you cannot replace “plan” with “budget” because budget specifically refers to how money is managed.

Casual: How will you plan for that trip to Japan?

Professional: We need to budget the funds carefully.

This is one of those rare instances where using a formal word like “clarify” wouldn’t look too weird in a casual context. You can replace one with the other, but “clarify” is a much shorter way of asking someone to help you understand something better.

Casual: The teacher made clear what the consequences of plagiarism are.

Professional: Can you please clarify this section under Item 1, Paragraph 9?

In a business context, you’ll usually hear “close” in phrases like “close the deal” or “close the case.” It means that you are formally ending something.

Also, when you pronounce “close” as a verb, you say something like “cloze.”

Casual: Let’s end the negotiations.

Professional: Let us close the deal.

“Collaborate” is always used as a verb and in a business context. It’s similar to “cooperate,” except “collaborate” usually means working together with people or teams you don’t necessarily have a close relationship with. “Work together” can be used in a formal context too.

Casual: I’m excited to work together with you!

Professional: The marketing and accounting departments are collaborating with each other to organize the party.

Often, you use collaborate + with/on in a sentence using this word.

Both “gather” and “compile” can be used in a formal context. 

Casual: Jane was assigned to gather the data for the research project.

Professional: Jane was assigned to compile the data for the research project.

When you work in an office, few things feel better than officially marking something as “complete” or “done.” This is another business verb that’s fine to use in any context.

Casual: Did you finish your homework last night?

Professional: I have completed that 100-page report at last.

Both “compute” and “calculate” can be used in a formal and casual context and are therefore interchangeable.

Casual: I’m not good at calculating how much my budget should be.

Professional: The accountant computed how much the company is worth.

“Carry out” isn’t likely to be used in a business context. “Conduct,” on the other hand, can be done on things like research, interviews, etc.

Also, when you’re using “conduct” as a verb, you pronounce it with the stress on the second syllable. If it’s a noun, the stress is on the first syllable.

Casual: I’m going to carry out the plan.

Professional:  HR is responsible for conducting interviews.

“Consolidate” will sound very strange if you use it in a casual context. “Combine,” on the other hand, is suitable for both business and casual contexts.

Casual: When you’re cooking, it’s essential that you know how to combine ingredients.

Professional: The two companies will consolidate and form one big company.

Both the phrase “get in touch with” and the verb “contact” are used in spoken casual and business English. However, in written business English, “contact” is shorter and conveys the meaning better.

Casual:   I tried to get in touch with you about the Christmas party.

Professional:   I tried to contact you about next week’s sales meeting.

This is another instance where both words can be interchanged and used in formal and informal contexts. Note, however, that “convert” typically means a major change, while “change” can refer to minor adjustments or modifications.

Casual: I want to change the room decor.

Professional: Our goal is to convert website visitors into paying customers.

“Coordinate” has a similar meaning to “arrange.” You can also use “get to work together” in a business context, though “coordinate” is shorter and more professional.

Casual: We should get those two departments to work together .

Professional: We should coordinate those two departments.

“Critique” is more likely to be used in a formal context. If it’s used in an informal context, it’d probably be in a  tongue-in-cheek (not serious) way like “Let me critique your choice of clothes.”

Casual: I will review that TV show in a bit.

Professional: Good managers offer constructive critiques for the people who work under them.

In British English, you’ll see that “customize” can be spelled as “customise.” Both words can be used in a formal and informal context. 

Casual: I love how the coffee shop personalizes each cup to each customer.

Professional: When you customize products, you make the customers who buy them feel special.

“Delegate” has a similar meaning to “assign.” However, “delegate” is usually done by those in managerial positions to ensure that work is done faster or more smoothly. If you’re simply giving a task to a person, that’s not necessarily “delegating”: that’s simply “assigning.”

Casual: I decided to assign cleaning duties to my siblings.

Professional: The manager delegated tasks equally among the employees.

It’s possible to interchange “deliver” and “bring” in a formal context. But you should be aware that “deliver” usually means the act of taking something to a destination with a goal or purpose, whereas “bring” means simply carrying something without necessarily having a goal in mind.

In a business context, “deliver” can be used for abstract (cannot be touched) objects like results. 

Casual: Don’t forget to bring your passport and visa when you’re flying out of the country.

Professional: The boss wants us to deliver results as quickly as possible.

With friends, you might say you need to “talk about” your vacation or the birthday party you are planning. But in business, we usually use the verb “discuss” instead.

Many English learners make the mistake of using “discuss about.” Here again, the word “about” is redundant because “discuss” by itself means “to talk about.”

Casual: Let’s talk about how to solve this math problem.

Professional: Let’s  discuss what information to put in this report.

Luckily, you can interchange “direct” and “lead” in a business context. “Direct” isn’t often used in casual contexts, however.

Casual: I like to lead when it comes to planning trips.

Professional: The supervisor directed the whole team throughout the project.

You’ll often hear the word “dispatch” in the context of deliveries or when sending someone out for business reasons (e.g., dispatching a salesperson to a customer’s home). These two words are interchangeable as well.

Casual: Sorry, I forgot to send you a message yesterday.

Professional: The company dispatched their best salesmen to the supplier’s main office.

“Diversify” is another word that would sound out of place in casual conversation. You’ll often see it used to refer to what should be done with an investment portfolio (a collection of assets like stocks, bonds, etc.), for example.

Casual: I’m a creature of habit. I don’t vary the style of my clothes on a day-to-day basis.

Professional: Personal finance experts always recommend diversifying your portfolio.

34. Document ( Record )

Both “document” and “record” can be used in formal contexts, but “document” looks odd when used in casual conversations.  Interestingly, both can be verbs and nouns.

Take note that when “record” is used as a verb, you put the stress on the second syllable. When it’s a noun, the stress is on the first syllable.

Casual: My grandfather likes to record his favorite lines from movies.

Professional: In the office, it’s important to document proof of what you’ve achieved.

You can use “draft” and “write” in place of each other. If you want to sound more professional, though, use “draft.” “Draft” can also be a noun that means a completed written work, but “write” is always a verb.

Casual: Mary writes stories in her spare time.

Professional: Can you please draft a letter to the director for me?

In a business context, it’s more acceptable to use “earn” than “make money.” You can interchange the two in an informal context, though.

Casual: To be honest, I work solely to make money.

Professional: Every company has earning profits as its priority.

Like the previous entry, “eliminate” is more acceptable in a formal context than “remove” is.

Casual: We should remove the old paint from the house.

Professional: They eliminated unnecessary steps to increase production.

When you are “empowered,” that means you are given the resources and confidence to do what you are supposed to. “Empower” and “enable” can both be used in formal contexts—”empower” even more so.

Casual: Having a lot of money enables me to do what I want.

Professional: The program empowers employees who have trouble at work to be open about their problems.

“Make sure” and “ensure” are very similar in meaning and usage. It’s perfectly okay to say “make sure” in spoken business English, but in writing, “ensure” sounds more professional.

Oftentimes, you may see the usage “ensure that,” as in  “Please ensure that you follow my instructions carefully.” There’s no difference in meaning between the two sentence structures.

Casual:   Please make sure you follow the recipe I gave you.

Professional:   Please ensure you follow my instructions carefully.

You can use both “estimate” and “guess” in a casual context. In a formal context, however, “estimate” is the more appropriate word to use.

Casual: Can you guess how many apples are in the box?

Professional: They estimated that the project would take five years to complete.

Now this one’s pretty straightforward—”evaluate” is almost always used only in a formal context, while you’ll almost never hear “think over” in a business letter.

Casual: I want to think over my decision carefully.

Professional: The hiring manager evaluates the applicants based on a whole range of factors.

“Execute” is simply business speak for doing something—whether it’s a plan or project. You can use “execute” instead of “put (something) into action” to make your sentence sound more formal.

Casual: Let’s put the plan into action.

Professional: Let’s execute the plan.

You can actually replace “expand” and “grow” with each other—though again, “expand” has a more businesslike connotation.

Casual: I want to grow my business.

Professional: I want to expand the market for my products.

We ask our friends to tell us about how they plan to spend their holiday. While to “tell about” is to give some information, “explain” means to tell about something in more detail and to make it clear. In business, we often use “explain” to give or ask for more detailed information about something.

A common mistake made by English learners is to use the phrase “explain about.” The word “about” here is redundant (repetitive, unnecessary) as “explain” by itself means “to tell about.”

Casual:   Can you tell me about the book you’ve just read?

Professional: Please explain these sales figures to me. .

Sentence structure:  explain + [noun] (+ to [person/pronoun])

“Facilitate” is always used as a verb, and is typically used in a formal context.

Casual: Artificial intelligence should make it easier to do our jobs.

Professional: I was responsible for facilitating the meeting and making sure that everything runs smoothly.

You may have heard of “weather forecasts.” In a business context, “forecast” can be used as both a verb and a noun. To “forecast” means to predict future events based on historical or past data. “Predict” may also be used in a formal context.

Casual: I predict that it will be cloudy tomorrow.

Professional: The company forecasts a growth in earnings for the next year.

Both “impact” and “affect” can be a verb and a noun. Both are also appropriate for formal and informal contexts. As a noun, “affect” means “the way a person presents themselves.”

Casual: The news affected her in a profound way.

Professional: Inflation impacts product prices.

Like “execute,” “implement” means to put something into action. You can use phrases like “make something happen” for marketing slogans (phrases designed to catch attention). But for in-office communications, “implement” would be more appropriate.

Casual: Don’t just dream about your goal; make it happen.

Professional: The company will implement new safety protocols to prevent future accidents from occurring.

While the phrase”let you know” is commonly used in spoken business English, the verb “inform” is used in business writing to sound more professional.

Casual:   I will let you know later if I can meet you for lunch.

Professional:   Later I will inform you which reports I need.

“Initiate” can be used as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it’s best used in a formal context. As a noun, it means “someone who is new to a group or organization.”

Casual: I will start that project tomorrow.

Professional: The manager initiated a discussion on boosting employee morale.

“Innovate” is always a verb. Aside from “coming up with new ideas,” it can also mean making changes to something that already exists to make it better.

Casual: We need to come up with new ideas to keep the customers excited.

Professional: They innovated their manufacturing process to reduce costs.

“Interpret” can be used in a formal and informal context. “Make sense of,” on the other hand, is best suited for informal use.

Casual: I could not make sense of her behavior.

Professional: How would you interpret this data?

Similarly, “invest” can be used in a business and casual context, while “put money in” should be reserved for casual use.

Casual: Because I put money into the stock market, I’m earning so much more money now.

Professional: You should invest your money into other assets.

Sentence structure: invest + (money) + in + [noun]

Instead of “repeat,” you can use “iterate” to sound more professional.

Casual: Let me repeat what I just said.

Professional: Let me iterate the importance of listening to employee feedback.

“Launch” can also be a noun that refers to the act of launching (e.g. a product launch).

Casual: The company introduced their new phone model yesterday.

Professional: The company launched a marketing campaign to promote the upcoming event.

I used “increase” as a synonym to “maximize” for simplicity’s sake. However, the exact meaning of this verb in a business context is to make the best use of company resources to their full potential. 

Casual: You can increase your monthly savings with these tips.

Professional: Let’s talk about how employees can maximize their time at work.

Conversely, “minimize” is a business verb that means to keep something as low as possible.

Casual: We need to cut down on unnecessary expenses.

Professional: We need to minimize unnecessary expenses.

If you see “modernize” spelled as “modernise,” that’s okay. The second one is basically the British English form. Both are verbs suitable for a formal context. “Update” can be used in a formal context too, and can even work as a noun (like the “software updates” on your phone or computer, for example).

Casual: We should update the look of the office.

Professional: We should modernize the look of the office.

“Monitor” can be both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to keep track or observe something regularly to make sure it’s working as it should. The noun form, on the other hand, can refer to the thing or person doing the monitoring—or what you’re looking at right now as you’re reading this post!

Casual: You should watch your child closely when you’re outside.

Professional: The security guard monitors what’s going on in the building using CCTV cameras.

“Negotiating” is an English business verb that means having discussions and trying to come to an agreement that will (or should) benefit everyone involved. It’s similar to the idiom “find a middle ground,” which is more often used in a casual context. 

Casual: After having a fight, the brother and sister finally found a middle ground.

Professional: The two companies will negotiate the terms of the deal.

“Operate” is a verb that means to manage a system or machine. “Run” is its casual counterpart.

Casual: They run a chain of restaurants across the continent.

Professional: They operate a chain of restaurants across the continent.

Similar to “maximize,” “optimize” is a formal way of describing the best use of resources to their full or maximum potential. It’s also spelled “optimise” in British English.

Casual: The manager improved the company’s processes.

Professional: The manager optimized the company’s processes to maximize earnings.

“Oversee” is a verb that is always used in a formal context.

Casual: He watches over the construction site to make sure the workers are safe.

Professional: He oversees the construction site to ensure the safety of the workers.

We commonly tell children or our friends to “get ready” for a trip or an event. In business, the verb “prepare” is often used instead.

Casual:   We’re working hard to get ready for our class presentation.

Professional:  We’ve been working late to prepare for our sales launch.

Sentence structure:  prepare + for + [task/event]

Another common sentence structure:  prepare + [noun]

We’ve been working late to prepare our annual sales report.

As a business verb, “present” means to show, and the stress is on the second syllable. (When it’s a noun, the stress is on the first syllable.) It’s where the word  presentation , or an event when you show something to an audience, comes from.

Casual: They showed their findings at the conference.

Professional: They presented their findings at the afternoon meeting.

In British English, “prioritize” becomes “prioritise.” It means to rank tasks or activities from most to least important. “Rank” is a more general term that refers to ordering people, objects, tasks, etc. according to certain  criteria or requirements.

Casual: The contestants were ranked according to how many votes they got from the audience.

Professional: We should prioritize Project A over Project B since the deadline is earlier.

You can actually use both “propose” and “suggest” in a formal context, though “propose” sounds more businesslike.

Casual: I suggest we update the company guidelines.

Professional: I propose we update the company guidelines.

While “give” has many meanings, it would only be correct to replace it with the professional verb “provide” when handing something to someone (such as a document or pin code).

Casual:   Could you give me your cell phone number?

Professional:   Could you provide us with a copy of the sales report?

Sentence structure:   provide + [person/pronoun] + with + [noun]

Another common sentence structure:  provide + [noun] + to + [person/pronoun]

Could you provide a copy of the sales report to us?

In a business context, you’ll often see the phrase “pursue opportunities.” .

Casual: I’m looking for job opportunities in other companies.

Professional: I want to pursue career opportunities elsewhere.

“Qualify” and “meet the requirements” are both acceptable in a formal context. Since “qualify” is more concise, though, I suggest using that instead.

Casual: He needs to meet the requirements to get into that university.

Professional: He needs to qualify for that advanced training program.

This is another pair of words that work just fine in a formal context—with “quantify” having a more businesslike connotation to it.

Casual: They measure how well the employees perform based on how much they produce.

Professional: They quantify employee performance using production metrics.

The verb “get” is another common verb that can be used in many different ways. However, in this case, “get” may only be replaced with “receive” in the context of receiving something from someone (such as an email or phone call).

Casual:   Did you get the message I sent you yesterday?

Professional:   Did you receive the customer complaint form?

Like many of the words on this list, “recruit” and “hire” are interchangeable in a formal context. In an informal context, however, “hire” is more likely to be used.

Casual: I got hired by my dream company yesterday!

Professional: The company recruited her as their new marketing manager.

“Reinforce” is best used for formal contexts, while “toughen” (which often appears in the phrase “toughen up” ) sounds best in casual conversation.

Casual: It’s best to toughen up when things get difficult.

Professional: They reinforced their commitment to customer satisfaction.

75. Reject ( Refuse )

Both “reject” and “refuse” can function as verbs and nouns. As a noun, “refuse” means something that has been thrown away. The noun form is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, while the verb form has the stress on the second syllable.

Casual: I refuse to be treated like dirt.

Professional: The company rejected his job application because they found someone more qualified.

In a business context, “renew” involves paying to extend a contract or lease. Note that “extend” has a more general meaning, and does not necessarily involve payment.

Casual: Salli was enjoying her vacation so much that she extended it by one more week.

Professional: Did you renew the contract? I believe it expired yesterday.

The words “answer” and “reply” can easily be used in place of each another. They also both work as nouns and pronouns.

Casual:   When are you going to answer my email?

Professional:   When will you reply  to my email?

Sentence structure:  reply + to + [noun/pronoun]

“Report” can be both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the document that provides information.

Casual: The papers gave me enough information to make a solid case.

Professional: They reported a massive increase in web traffic.

“Represent” works best when talking to business associates, while “stand for” is best used in casual conversations.

Casual: This figurine stands for my favorite character.

Professional: The salesman represents the company in negotiations.

While “book” can be used as a noun as well as an adjective, here it is used as a verb. In this case, the verb “book” can be replaced with the verb “reserve” in the context of registering for a future event (such as a seminar or conference), or holding a venue (location) or item for future use (such as the conference room or rental car).

Casual:   It’s better to book your train tickets early during the holiday season.

Professional: It’s better to reserve your seat for the seminar as soon as possible.

Both “resolve” and “find a solution” can work in formal contexts, with “resolve” being the more concise version.

Casual: Let’s find a solution to this problem.

Professional: The customer service representative resolved the problem by offering a refund.

“Bring back” is never used in formal contexts (though it can also work as a catchy slogan!), while “restore” works fine as a business verb.

Casual: Bring back the pink drinks!

Professional: The system was restored just in time.

Both “restructure” and “reorganize” can work in a formal context. However, “restructure” is often specific to major changes in organizations, companies, etc.

Casual: I will reorganize my files when I get the chance.

Professional: They restructured the company so that operations are more efficient.

“Retain” is simply a more formal way of saying “keep.”

Casual: Good bosses do what they can to keep their best employees.

Professional: Good bosses do what they can to retain their best employees.

Depending on where you are, you may be asked to “retire” once you reach a certain age (usually around 60 to 65 years old). “Retire” can also mean to put something away, like “retire an old computer.”

Casual: Once I get a million dollars, I’m going to stop working .

Professional: She retired after a long and successful career at the company.

“Get back” is never used in a formal context, while “retrieve” often is.

Casual: If your ring fell into the ocean, it will be hard to get it back.

Professional: Let me teach you how to retrieve deleted files from your computer.

This is another example where both words/phrases can be interchanged, but it’s better to use the more concise version—in this case, “revise.”

Casual: My editor wants me to make changes to the article.

Professional: My manager wants me to revise the report.

You may have heard of the verb “satisfy” used to mean “to make something or someone happy.” In a business context, “satisfy” means to reach a goal or meet requirements.

Casual: I managed to reach my target for this week.

Professional: They were able to satisfy the bank’s requirements for a loan.

You’ll often see “screen” in a phrase like “screening applicants.” It means to review something or someone and see if they fit particular requirements.

Casual: You can filter the products according to price.

Professional: They screened the job applicants carefully.

Here again, “choose” and “select” can be used to replace each other quite easily.

Casual:   You may choose the color you like.

Professional:   You may select the sample reports to print.

Sentence structure:  select + [noun/pronoun]

Another common sentence structure:  select + from + [noun]

You may select from this range of products.

You can also use “give more information” in a formal context, but “specify” sums up what you’re trying to say just fine.

Casual: Can you give more information about what you’re talking about?

Professional: Can you specify which of these products you prefer?

We use the phrasal verb “hand in” when talking about homework and assignments. However, we usually use the verb “submit” instead when talking about job applications, business documents, etc.

Casual:   I need to hand in my English writing assignment.

Professional:   I need to submit my weekly report to the finance office.

Sentence structure:  submit + [noun/pronoun] (+ to)

Both “sustain” and “maintain” can be used in formal contexts and are interchangeable. As for the casual context, “maintain” works better.

Casual: The athlete maintained their winning record.

Professional: We want to sustain our efforts to protect the environment.

Both “target” and “aim” can be verbs and nouns. If you’re using “aim” as a verb, you’ll usually find it in the phrases like “aim for” or “aim to.”

Casual: Let’s aim for the stars.

Professional: The product was targeted at young people in their twenties.

You can use both “test” and “try” in a formal context. “Try” has a broader meaning, though, and usually doesn’t involve meeting targets or metrics the way “test” does.

Casual: How about trying this ingredient in your cooking?

Professional: The job of the quality assurance team is to test software for bugs or errors.

When you’re new to a company, the company’s existing employees will train you—meaning they will teach you everything you need to know about how the company operates, what your job responsibilities are, etc.

“Teach” has a more general meaning—for example, you can teach an older person how to use new technology—so it’s not necessarily interchangeable with “train.”

Casual: I will teach you everything you need to know about how this machine works.

Professional: It’s the supervisor’s job to train new employees.

“Troubleshoot” means to find out why a problem occurred and how to fix it. Interestingly, you can also use “troubleshoot” in a casual context ( “Hey neighbor, can you troubleshoot my computer for me?” ).

Casual: She’s good at solving problems.

Professional: It took them three days to troubleshoot the system crash.

When you replace “use” with “utilize,” you instantly sound more formal. “Utilize” shouldn’t be used in a casual context at all, though. 

Casual: I use this app to get things done.

Professional: The company utilizes social media to promote its products.

Both “validate” and “confirm” can be used in a business context. “Confirm” has a somewhat broader meaning than “validate,” though, which is to check if something is true or accurate.

Casual: Did you confirm that these people are attending the party?

Professional: This stamp validates this document and proves that it is legal.

The verbs “value” and “appreciate” can be replaced with each other in a formal context. Funnily enough, “appreciate” (despite being a longer word) is considered more informal than “value.”

Casual: I appreciate the advice you gave me yesterday.

Professional: We always value customer feedback.

“Verify” has a similar meaning as “validate;” in fact, the two are interchangeable. On the other hand, “double-check” works best in a casual context.

Casual: Can you double-check if the doors are locked?

Professional: It’s their job to verify if all the documents are valid and accurate.

Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?

Now that you have mastered these 101 professional verbs, be sure to practice using them in your business writing at work every day.

And if you want to learn many more verbs that’ll make you sound professional, check out FluentU . It’s a language program that uses authentic videos to teach you English in context, and it happens to have a number of business videos.

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Definition of trip verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

• 3 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. ( literary ) to walk, run, or dance with quick light steps She said goodbye and tripped off along the road. ( figurative ) a melody with a light tripping rhythm
• 4 [ transitive ] trip something to release a switch, etc. or to operate something by doing so to trip a switch Any intruders will trip the alarm.
• 5 [ intransitive ] ( informal ) to be under the influence of a drug that makes you hallucinate

Other results

• a guilt trip
• a trip/walk down memory lane
• roll/slip/trip off the tongue

Nearby words

Airbus and Boeing's problems spell bad news for the cost of your summer vacation

• IATA predicted this year will beat the pre-pandemic record for air travel.
• But both Boeing and Airbus jets are having problems that are reducing capacity.
• Some airlines are already warning that prices will go up.

You can expect to pay more for plane tickets this summer, as airline capacity struggles to keep up with demand.

In December 2023, the International Air Travel Association predicted 2024 would break records for the most air passengers ever . It expects 4.7 billion people to travel this year — 200 million more than the pre-pandemic high set in 2019.

But airlines are warning they'll have fewer seats available than they initially thought, as both Boeing and Airbus are dealing with problems.

IATA had predicted a 9% growth in capacity. But passenger airlines will see 19% fewer aircraft than expected this year, Martha Neubauer, a senior associate at AeroDynamic Advisor, told Reuters .

Southwest Airlines has paused hiring because it now expects to receive 46 new Boeing 737 Max jets, down from 79.

Related stories

And the CEO of Europe's biggest budget airline, Ryanair, warned its ticket prices could go up 10% due to Boeing delivery delays.

Additionally, United has asked pilots to take an unpaid leave in May to help mitigate delayed deliveries of Boeing planes.

Boeing has had a bad year as the Alaska Airlines blowout in January sparked increased scrutiny from regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration has limited how many 737 Max jets it can manufacture.

And since CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would resign at the end of the year, Boeing's new chairman is trying to win back customers' trust.

While Boeing has been under the spotlight, Airbus also has some problems of its own.

A flaw in the Pratt & Whitney engines used on Airbus A320neos will ground 650 jets for inspections in the first half of this year.

IATA also predicted that airline profits would be up 10% from last year. But the trade group's director general, Willie Walsh, said the average airline only makes $5.45 for every passenger.

"That's about enough to buy a basic grande latte at a London Starbucks," he added. "But it is far too little to build a future that is resilient to shocks for a critical global industry."

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

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Definition of trip – Learner’s Dictionary

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• Details of the president's trip remain shrouded in secrecy .
• They suffered a series of mishaps during the trip.
• I've just been on a trip to France.
• We will have a car at our disposal for the whole trip.
• Talking of holidays , did you hear about Lesley's skiing trip?

trip verb ( FALL )

Trip verb ( make fall ), phrasal verbs.

(Definition of trip from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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• trip (FALL)
• trip (MAKE FALL)
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