At the A1 level, 'develop' is a word you use to talk about simple growth or making something basic. You might use it to say a baby 'develops' or grows. It is a word that helps you describe how things change over time. You don't need to use it for complex business ideas yet. Just think of it as a way to say 'grow' or 'make' when something takes a little bit of time. For example, 'I develop a habit' means I am starting to do something every day. It is an important word for describing your life and the world around you in a simple way.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'develop' to talk about skills and projects. You might say, 'I want to develop my English speaking skills.' This shows you understand that learning a language is a process. You can also use it for technology, like 'They develop new apps for phones.' At this level, you are moving beyond simple growth and starting to use the word for intentional actions. You understand that 'develop' means something is getting better or more complete because of work or time.
At the B1 level, 'develop' becomes very useful for discussing social and economic topics. You will hear about 'developing countries' or 'urban development.' You can use it to describe how a story or a situation changes, like 'The news story is developing.' You also start to use it in the passive voice, such as 'This plan was developed by the team.' This level requires you to understand that 'develop' can be used for both people and abstract things like ideas, economies, and situations.
At the B2 level, you should use 'develop' with more precision. You can talk about 'developing an argument' in an essay or 'developing a theory' in science. You understand the nuance between 'develop' and its synonyms like 'evolve' or 'enhance.' You can use the word to describe complex processes in business, such as 'developing a market strategy.' Your use of the word shows that you recognize the stages involved in a process and can describe those stages clearly to others.
At the C1 level, 'develop' is used in highly sophisticated ways. You might discuss the 'development of a nuanced perspective' or how 'geopolitical tensions develop' over time. You use the word to describe the intricate unfolding of complex systems. You are comfortable using it in academic writing to describe the methodology of a study or the progression of a philosophical thought. At this level, 'develop' is a tool for precision, helping you describe the exact nature of change and creation in professional and academic contexts.
At the C2 level, your use of 'develop' is completely natural and idiomatic. You can use it in metaphors and complex rhetorical structures. You might talk about 'developing a theme' in a piece of literature or the 'development of a person's character' in a deep psychological sense. You understand the historical etymology of the word and can use it to convey subtle meanings. Whether you are writing a legal document, a scientific paper, or a poetic essay, you use 'develop' to perfectly capture the essence of transformation and emergence.

develop in 30 Seconds

  • Develop is a verb that means to grow, progress, or create something new over a period of time, moving from simple to complex.
  • It is used in biology (growth), business (product creation), skills (learning), and medicine (onset of symptoms or diseases).
  • The word can be transitive (you develop a plan) or intransitive (a storm develops), making it very flexible in different sentence structures.
  • Commonly confused with 'grow' or 'improve,' it specifically emphasizes the process and the increasing complexity of the subject or object.

The word develop is a versatile powerhouse in the English language, functioning primarily as a verb that describes the process of growth, advancement, or creation. At its most basic level, to develop means to transition from a simple state to a more complex one. This can apply to biological organisms, such as a seed developing into a flower, or to abstract concepts, such as an idea developing into a full-scale business plan. In the modern world, we use this word constantly in professional settings—software developers create applications, urban developers build cities, and researchers develop new medicines. The essence of the word lies in the journey from potential to reality.

Biological Growth
This refers to the natural progression of living things. For example, a fetus develops in the womb, or a caterpillar develops into a butterfly. It implies a sequence of stages that are genetically or naturally programmed.
Skill Acquisition
When you practice a sport or a language, you develop your abilities. This usage emphasizes the effort and time required to move from a beginner level to a more advanced proficiency.
Creation and Innovation
In business and technology, to develop is to design and build something new. This could be a 'new product,' a 'marketing strategy,' or a 'software update.' It involves planning, testing, and refining.

Scientists are working hard to develop a vaccine that can protect against multiple strains of the virus simultaneously.

Beyond these physical and professional uses, 'develop' also appears in medical contexts. A person might 'develop symptoms' of an illness, or 'develop a habit' over time. In these cases, the word suggests a gradual emergence or onset. It is rarely used for sudden, instantaneous changes; rather, it implies a process that unfolds over hours, days, or years. Historically, the word was also central to photography, where 'developing a film' meant using chemicals to make the captured images visible. While digital photography has made this less common, the metaphor of bringing something hidden into the light remains a core part of the word's identity.

The small village began to develop rapidly after the new highway was constructed nearby.

It takes years of dedicated practice to develop the muscle memory required for professional ballet.

Children develop social skills through play and interaction with their peers.

The plot of the movie began to develop in an unexpected direction during the second act.

Economic Context
Nations are often categorized as 'developing' or 'developed' based on their industrial base and Human Development Index. Here, the word refers to the systemic improvement of infrastructure and quality of life.
Photographic Context
Though traditional film is rare, 'developing' still refers to the chemical process of treating film to produce a visible image from a latent one.

Using 'develop' correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as a transitive verb, where an agent performs an action on an object, or as an intransitive verb, where the subject itself undergoes a change. For instance, in the sentence 'The company developed a new app,' the company is the agent and the app is the object. In contrast, in 'The storm developed over the ocean,' the storm is the subject undergoing the change. This distinction is crucial for clear communication, especially in academic and technical writing where precision is paramount.

Transitive Use (Action on Object)
Structure: Subject + develop + Object. Example: 'She developed a passion for painting.' Here, the subject creates or nurtures the object.
Intransitive Use (Subject Changes)
Structure: Subject + develop. Example: 'A problem developed during the meeting.' Here, the subject emerges or grows without a direct object mentioned.

If you want to develop your muscles, you must exercise regularly and eat enough protein.

When talking about the future, we often use 'develop' with modal verbs like 'will' or 'might.' For example, 'The situation will develop over the next few days.' This suggests that the full picture isn't clear yet and more details will emerge. In the past tense, 'developed' is used to describe completed processes of growth or creation. 'They developed the prototype in just three months.' The present continuous form, 'developing,' is frequently used as an adjective to describe countries (developing nations) or ongoing projects (a developing story in the news).

The researchers are trying to develop a more efficient way to store solar energy.

Over the years, the two neighboring countries have developed a strong trade partnership.

Passive Voice
Structure: Object + be + developed. Example: 'The new software was developed by a team in Bangalore.' This is common in formal reports.

You will encounter 'develop' in a wide variety of environments, from the newsroom to the laboratory. In the world of journalism, you might hear a reporter say, 'This is a developing story,' which means that new information is still coming in and the situation is changing. In the tech industry, 'develop' is the core verb for everything related to software and hardware creation. If you visit a tech hub like Silicon Valley, you'll hear about 'front-end development,' 'back-end development,' and 'product development' constantly. It is the language of progress and building.

'We need to develop a better user interface for our mobile application,' said the lead designer.

In medical and scientific contexts, 'develop' is used to describe the onset of conditions or the creation of treatments. A doctor might ask if you have 'developed any new symptoms' since your last visit. In psychology, experts talk about 'child development,' referring to the cognitive, emotional, and physical growth of children. This word is essential for discussing any process that involves time and change. In the real estate industry, 'developers' are the people or companies that buy land and build houses or commercial buildings on it. When you see a construction site, you are seeing 'development' in action.

The city council approved the plan to develop the old industrial district into a park.

News Media
Used to describe unfolding events. 'As the situation develops, we will bring you more updates.'
Corporate Meetings
Used for strategy and growth. 'We are looking to develop our presence in the Asian market.'

Despite its frequency, 'develop' is often misused by learners who confuse it with similar words like 'grow,' 'improve,' or 'increase.' One common mistake is using 'develop' for simple physical growth where 'grow' is more natural. For example, you would say 'The tree is growing,' rather than 'The tree is developing,' unless you are specifically talking about the biological stages of its fruit or flowers. Another error is using 'develop' as a synonym for 'improve' in contexts where the focus is on quality rather than the creation of something new. While you can 'develop your skills' (creation/growth), you 'improve your performance' (making something existing better).

Incorrect: I want to develop my English grammar.
Correct: I want to improve my English grammar.

Learners also struggle with the preposition 'into.' We 'develop something into something else.' For example, 'The small shop developed into a global chain.' A common mistake is omitting the 'into' or using 'to' instead. Furthermore, the spelling can be tricky; many people mistakenly add an 'e' at the end (develope), which is incorrect in modern English. Finally, remember that 'develop' implies a process. You cannot 'develop' something instantly. If an action happens in a second, 'develop' is likely the wrong word choice.

Develop vs. Grow
'Grow' is usually about size (getting bigger). 'Develop' is about complexity (getting more advanced).
Develop vs. Create
'Create' can be instant. 'Develop' always implies a series of steps or a period of time.

To truly master 'develop,' you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. 'Evolve' is a close relative, but it suggests a more natural, gradual, and often unplanned progression, often used in biological or historical contexts. 'Cultivate' is used when you are intentionally nurturing a skill or a relationship, much like a gardener nurtures a plant. 'Formulate' is more specific to ideas, plans, or theories, implying a very structured and intellectual process. 'Advance' is used when the focus is on moving forward or reaching a higher level of progress.

Evolve
Used for natural or slow changes. 'The language evolved over centuries.' It feels less 'managed' than 'develop.'
Cultivate
Used for skills or qualities. 'He tried to cultivate a sense of calm.' It implies careful tending and patience.
Expand
Used for size and reach. 'The company is looking to expand its operations.' While 'develop' might mean making the product better, 'expand' means selling it in more places.

Instead of 'developing' a plan, you might devise a plan if it is clever or complex.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

Because the word originally meant 'to unwrap,' it perfectly describes the process of taking an idea (which is 'wrapped' in your mind) and 'unwrapping' it so the world can see it as a finished product!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɪˈvel.əp/
US /dɪˈvel.əp/
Second syllable: de-VEL-op
Rhymes With
Envelop Gallop Scallop Wallop Trollope Fillip Tulip (near rhyme) Gossip (near rhyme)
Common Errors
  • Stressing the first syllable (DE-velop).
  • Pronouncing the final 'p' as a 'b'.
  • Adding an 'e' sound at the end (de-vel-o-pee).
  • Making the 'o' sound too strong (de-vel-OP).
  • Mispronouncing the first 'e' as a long 'ee' (dee-velop).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common in many types of texts, from news to science.

Writing 3/5

Spelling (no 'e' at the end) and choosing the right synonym can be tricky.

Speaking 2/5

Natural to use once you understand the transitive/intransitive balance.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in both UK and US accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Grow Make Change Plan New

Learn Next

Evolution Infrastructure Implementation Innovation Sustainability

Advanced

Ameliorate Explicate Proliferate Manifest Engender

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Transitive: I develop the plan. Intransitive: The plan develops.

Present Continuous for Projects

I am developing a new website (ongoing action).

Passive Voice in Formal Writing

The theory was developed in 1920.

Gerund as Subject

Developing new skills is essential for career growth.

Infinitive of Purpose

They hired him to develop the software.

Examples by Level

1

The seeds develop into small plants.

Las semillas se convierten en plantas pequeñas.

Present simple for a general fact.

2

Babies develop very fast.

Los bebés se desarrollan muy rápido.

Intransitive use.

3

I want to develop a good habit.

Quiero desarrollar un buen hábito.

Infinitive after 'want to'.

4

They develop new toys.

Ellos desarrollan juguetes nuevos.

Subject-Verb-Object.

5

Does the flower develop in spring?

¿La flor se desarrolla en primavera?

Question form.

6

We develop our ideas together.

Desarrollamos nuestras ideas juntos.

First person plural.

7

He develops his muscles at the gym.

Él desarrolla sus músculos en el gimnasio.

Third person singular 's'.

8

The story develops in a big city.

La historia se desarrolla en una gran ciudad.

Describing a setting.

1

She is developing a new website.

Ella está desarrollando un sitio web nuevo.

Present continuous for an ongoing project.

2

You need to develop your listening skills.

Necesitas desarrollar tus habilidades de escucha.

Using 'need to' + infinitive.

3

The company developed a popular game.

La empresa desarrolló un juego popular.

Past simple for a completed action.

4

How do you develop a business plan?

¿Cómo desarrollas un plan de negocios?

Question with 'how'.

5

The village developed into a town.

El pueblo se convirtió en una ciudad.

Using 'into' to show transformation.

6

We are developing a plan for the party.

Estamos desarrollando un plan para la fiesta.

Present continuous.

7

He developed a cold after the trip.

Él se resfrió después del viaje.

Medical context: starting to have an illness.

8

The film was developed in a dark room.

La película fue desarrollada en un cuarto oscuro.

Passive voice.

1

The government wants to develop the rural areas.

El gobierno quiere desarrollar las zonas rurales.

Economic/Infrastructure context.

2

A new problem has developed with the engine.

Ha surgido un nuevo problema con el motor.

Present perfect for a recent event.

3

They are developing a vaccine for the flu.

Están desarrollando una vacuna para la gripe.

Scientific context.

4

The plot of the novel develops slowly.

La trama de la novela se desarrolla lentamente.

Literary context.

5

She developed an interest in ancient history.

Ella desarrolló un interés por la historia antigua.

Abstract object: interest.

6

The storm is developing over the Atlantic.

La tormenta se está formando sobre el Atlántico.

Natural phenomenon.

7

We must develop a strategy to increase sales.

Debemos desarrollar una estrategia para aumentar las ventas.

Business context.

8

The child is developing normally for her age.

La niña se está desarrollando normalmente para su edad.

Developmental psychology context.

1

The essay develops the argument that technology isolates us.

El ensayo desarrolla el argumento de que la tecnología nos aísla.

Academic context: expanding an idea.

2

The city has developed significantly over the last decade.

La ciudad se ha desarrollado significativamente en la última década.

Present perfect with an adverb.

3

It is important to develop a sense of self-worth.

Es importante desarrollar un sentido de autoestima.

Psychological/Personal growth.

4

The software was developed to streamline the process.

El software fue desarrollado para agilizar el proceso.

Passive voice with 'to' + infinitive of purpose.

5

A strong friendship developed between the two rivals.

Surgió una fuerte amistad entre los dos rivales.

Intransitive use for relationships.

6

The company is developing a new range of organic products.

La empresa está desarrollando una nueva gama de productos orgánicos.

Business: product line development.

7

He developed a reputation for being very punctual.

Se ganó la reputación de ser muy puntual.

Developing an abstract quality (reputation).

8

The situation developed into a full-scale crisis.

La situación se convirtió en una crisis a gran escala.

Escalation of a situation.

1

The author develops the theme of betrayal throughout the play.

El autor desarrolla el tema de la traición a lo largo de la obra.

Literary analysis.

2

We need to develop a more nuanced approach to this problem.

Necesitamos desarrollar un enfoque más matizado para este problema.

C1 vocabulary: 'nuanced approach'.

3

The country is struggling to develop its infrastructure.

El país está luchando por desarrollar su infraestructura.

Macroeconomics.

4

A consensus began to develop among the committee members.

Empezó a surgir un consenso entre los miembros del comité.

Abstract emergence of agreement.

5

The patient developed a resistance to the antibiotic.

El paciente desarrolló una resistencia al antibiótico.

Medical/Biological precision.

6

The project aims to develop sustainable energy solutions.

El proyecto tiene como objetivo desarrollar soluciones de energía sostenible.

Formal project goals.

7

He has developed a sophisticated understanding of the market.

Ha desarrollado una comprensión sofisticada del mercado.

High-level cognitive development.

8

The plot develops through a series of flashbacks.

La trama se desarrolla a través de una serie de flashbacks.

Narrative structure.

1

The philosopher develops a compelling ontological framework.

El filósofo desarrolla un marco ontológico convincente.

Academic/Philosophical register.

2

The legal team is developing a robust defense strategy.

El equipo legal está desarrollando una estrategia de defensa sólida.

Professional legal context.

3

As the dialogue develops, the underlying tensions become palpable.

A medida que se desarrolla el diálogo, las tensiones subyacentes se vuelven palpables.

Advanced descriptive language.

4

The ecosystem has developed a complex web of interdependencies.

El ecosistema ha desarrollado una compleja red de interdependencias.

Scientific/Ecological complexity.

5

The artist's style developed significantly during his stay in Paris.

El estilo del artista se desarrolló significativamente durante su estancia en París.

Art history/Evolution of style.

6

The policy was developed in tandem with international experts.

La política fue desarrollada en conjunto con expertos internacionales.

Formal administrative language.

7

A sense of camaraderie developed among the survivors.

Surgió un sentido de camaradería entre los supervivientes.

Nuanced social bonding.

8

The technology continues to develop at an exponential rate.

La tecnología continúa desarrollándose a un ritmo exponencial.

Technological forecasting.

Common Collocations

Develop a skill
Develop a habit
Develop a product
Develop symptoms
Develop a strategy
Develop a relationship
Develop a theory
Develop a taste for
Develop an interest
Develop a plan

Common Phrases

Developing country

— A nation with a less developed industrial base and lower Human Development Index.

Many developing countries are investing heavily in renewable energy.

Developing story

— A news event that is currently unfolding and for which new details are still emerging.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Under development

— Something that is currently being created or worked on and is not yet finished.

The new feature is still under development and will be released next month.

Professional development

— Learning to earn or maintain professional credentials such as academic degrees to formal coursework.

The company offers a budget for the professional development of its employees.

Research and development (R&D)

— Work directed toward the innovation, introduction, and improvement of products and processes.

The pharmaceutical giant spends billions on research and development.

Sustainable development

— Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.

The UN is promoting sustainable development goals worldwide.

Child development

— The biological, psychological, and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence.

She is an expert in early child development.

Urban development

— The social, cultural, economic, and physical development of cities.

Urban development has transformed the city skyline.

Software development

— The process of conceiving, specifying, designing, programming, documenting, testing, and bug fixing involved in creating applications.

He has a successful career in software development.

Develop a crush

— To start having romantic feelings for someone.

I think I'm starting to develop a crush on my classmate.

Often Confused With

develop vs Grow

Grow is usually about size; develop is about complexity and stages.

develop vs Improve

Improve means making something better; develop means creating or expanding something.

develop vs Envelop

Envelop (with an 'e' at the end) means to wrap or cover something completely.

Idioms & Expressions

"Develop a thick skin"

— To become less sensitive to criticism or insults from others.

You need to develop a thick skin if you want to be a politician.

Informal
"Develop a mind of its own"

— Used when a machine or object starts behaving in an unexpected or uncontrollable way.

My computer seems to have developed a mind of its own lately.

Informal
"Develop a nose for"

— To have a natural ability to find or detect something, like news or a good deal.

As a journalist, she developed a nose for a good story.

Informal
"Develop cold feet"

— To become nervous or uncertain about a decision you have made, often right before the event.

He developed cold feet just before the wedding and almost didn't go.

Informal
"Develop an edge"

— To gain an advantage over others through practice or innovation.

The athlete developed an edge by training at high altitudes.

Neutral
"Develop a following"

— To gain a group of people who support or admire your work.

The young musician quickly developed a following on social media.

Neutral
"Develop a rapport"

— To build a good relationship and understanding with someone.

The teacher worked hard to develop a rapport with her students.

Neutral
"Develop a sense of"

— To gradually begin to feel or understand something, like humor or responsibility.

Living alone helped him develop a sense of independence.

Neutral
"Develop a knack for"

— To gain a special skill or talent for doing something easily.

She has developed a knack for fixing old clocks.

Informal
"Develop a pattern"

— When a series of events starts to happen in a predictable way.

The suspect's crimes began to develop a pattern that the police could track.

Neutral

Easily Confused

develop vs Envelop

Similar spelling and sound.

Develop means to grow or create; Envelop means to wrap or surround. Envelop has an 'e' at the end.

The mist began to envelop the mountain.

develop vs Evolution

Both involve change over time.

Development is often a planned or specific process; Evolution is a natural, long-term change in a species or system.

The evolution of man took millions of years.

develop vs Expansion

Both involve getting bigger.

Expansion is specifically about physical size or area; Development is about quality, complexity, and internal growth.

The expansion of the building took six months.

develop vs Creation

Both involve making something new.

Creation is the act of bringing something into existence; Development is the process of refining and growing that thing.

The creation of the world is a common myth.

develop vs Improvement

Both involve positive change.

Improvement makes an existing thing better; Development often brings a new thing into a more complete state.

There has been a big improvement in your grades.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + develop(s)

Plants develop.

A2

Subject + develop + Object

I develop a plan.

B1

Subject + develop + into + Noun

The village developed into a city.

B2

Object + was developed + by + Agent

The app was developed by her.

C1

Subject + develop + a [Adjective] + [Noun]

He developed a sophisticated strategy.

C2

As [Subject] develops, [Clause]

As the plot develops, the mystery deepens.

B1

It is [Adjective] to develop [Noun]

It is important to develop good habits.

A2

Subject + want to develop + Object

I want to develop my skills.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English, especially in professional contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • I want to develope my skills. I want to develop my skills.

    The word 'develop' does not have an 'e' at the end.

  • The tree developed bigger. The tree grew bigger.

    Use 'grow' for simple physical size increases. Use 'develop' for complexity.

  • The situation developed to a crisis. The situation developed into a crisis.

    The preposition 'into' is used to show a transformation into a new state.

  • I am developing my English grammar. I am improving my English grammar.

    You 'improve' something that already exists to make it better. You 'develop' a new skill or a complex system.

  • A problem was developed. A problem developed.

    When a problem appears, it usually 'develops' (intransitive). You don't usually 'develop' a problem on purpose.

Tips

No Final E

Never add an 'e' to the end of develop. It's a very common mistake, even for advanced learners. Just remember: Develop ends with P.

Into vs. To

When something changes from one thing to another, use 'into'. Example: 'The caterpillar developed into a butterfly,' not 'to a butterfly'.

Professionalism

Use 'develop' in your resume. Instead of saying 'I made a new system,' say 'I developed a new system.' it sounds much more impressive to employers.

Stress the Vel

Focus on the middle syllable: de-VEL-op. If you stress the first syllable, it can be hard for native speakers to understand you quickly.

Global Context

When reading about world news, 'development' usually refers to economics and infrastructure. Understanding this helps you follow international reports.

Transitive vs Intransitive

Remember that 'develop' can happen to something, or something can just 'develop' on its own. Both are correct!

Common Pairs

Learn 'develop a habit' and 'develop a skill' as single units. This will help you speak more fluently without thinking about each word.

Academic Essays

In essays, use 'develop' to describe how you are going to explain your ideas. 'In this paper, I will develop the argument that...'

News Cues

When you hear 'developing story,' pay attention! It means the most important information might be coming up next.

Growth Mindset

Use 'develop' when talking about yourself to reinforce a growth mindset. 'I am developing my patience' sounds better than 'I am trying to be patient'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Developer' (the person) who 'Develops' (the action) a 'Development' (the building). All three words focus on building something from the ground up.

Visual Association

Imagine a small seed slowly growing into a massive tree with many branches. Each branch represents a new stage of development.

Word Web

Growth Creation Progress Software Biology Economy Skills Strategy

Challenge

Try to use the word 'develop' in three different ways today: once about a skill, once about a plan, and once about a natural change.

Word Origin

The word 'develop' comes from the Old French word 'desveloper,' which was used in the 12th century. It is a combination of the prefix 'des-' (meaning 'un-') and 'veloper' (meaning 'to wrap'). Therefore, the original literal meaning was 'to unwrap' or 'to unfold.'

Original meaning: To unwrap, unfurl, or lay open something that was folded or covered.

Indo-European > Latin > Romance > French > English

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'developing' to describe countries; some prefer the term 'Global South' to avoid the implication that they are 'behind' Western standards.

In the US and UK, 'property developers' are often seen as powerful figures who change the physical landscape of cities.

Sustainable Development Goals (UN) Child Development (Jean Piaget's theories) Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Technology

  • Develop an app
  • Front-end development
  • Beta development
  • Agile development

Biology

  • Develop into an adult
  • Cellular development
  • Develop a resistance
  • Embryonic development

Business

  • Develop a market
  • Business development
  • Develop a partnership
  • Product development

Personal Growth

  • Develop a skill
  • Develop character
  • Develop a habit
  • Develop confidence

News/Media

  • Developing story
  • As the situation develops
  • Develop a lead
  • Latest developments

Conversation Starters

"What is a new skill you would like to develop this year?"

"How has your hometown developed since you were a child?"

"Do you think it's easier to develop good habits or break bad ones?"

"What kind of technology do you think scientists will develop in the next 50 years?"

"How do you develop a good relationship with your coworkers?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to develop a plan for a difficult situation. What steps did you take?

Reflect on how your personality has developed over the last five years. What changed the most?

If you could develop any new talent instantly, what would it be and why?

Write about a 'developing story' in your own life right now. What is happening and what do you expect next?

Discuss the importance of developing sustainable habits for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'develope' is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is 'develop' without an 'e' at the end. In French, it is 'développer', which is likely where the confusion comes from.

Yes, in a medical context, 'develop' is used to describe the onset of a condition. For example, 'He developed diabetes later in life.' It means the disease started to manifest.

A developer usually handles the planning, financing, and land acquisition for a project, while a builder is the person or company that physically constructs the structure.

It is a standard economic term, but some people prefer 'emerging economy' or 'Global South' because 'developing' can imply a hierarchy where some countries are 'better' than others.

It refers to the chemical process used to make images on film visible. You 'develop the film' in a darkroom using special liquids.

Yes, you can say 'A friendship developed between them.' This means the relationship grew naturally over a period of time.

It means the news event is still happening, and reporters are finding out new information as time goes on. The story is not yet 'complete'.

While you can say this, it is more common to say 'improve my English' or 'develop my English skills.' 'Develop' usually needs a specific object like 'skills' or 'fluency'.

R&D stands for Research and Development. It is the part of a company that works on creating new products and improving old ones through scientific study.

Yes, it can be an adjective. For example, 'a developed country' or 'a well-developed plan.' It describes something that has reached an advanced stage.

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'develop' to describe a skill you want to learn.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'develop' about a plant growing.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'developed' in the passive voice.

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writing

Explain the difference between 'grow' and 'develop' in your own words.

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a 'developing story' in the news.

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writing

Use the idiom 'develop a thick skin' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'urban development' in your city.

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writing

Describe a habit you have developed recently.

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writing

Write a formal sentence using 'formulate' as a synonym for 'develop'.

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writing

Discuss how a character in a book you like develops over time.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'developing country'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'develop a taste for'.

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writing

Use 'develop' in a question about a business plan.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'developing' situation.

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writing

Describe the 'development' of a new technology.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'develop' to mean 'to unwrap' metaphorically.

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writing

Use 'develop' to describe a medical symptom.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'professional development'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'develop' in the future tense.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'develop' in the present perfect tense.

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'develop' out loud. Where is the stress?

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speaking

Talk for 30 seconds about a skill you are currently developing.

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speaking

Explain the phrase 'developing story' as if you were a news anchor.

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speaking

How would you use 'develop' in a job interview?

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speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of urban development in your city.

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speaking

Describe a habit you want to develop and how you will do it.

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speaking

Use 'develop' to describe a scientific process you know about.

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speaking

What does 'develop a thick skin' mean to you personally?

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speaking

How has your personality developed since you were a teenager?

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speaking

Ask a partner three questions using the word 'develop'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'developmentally' and 'developer'.

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speaking

Tell a short story about a friendship that developed over time.

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speaking

Discuss the importance of research and development for a tech company.

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speaking

Use 'develop' to describe a change in the weather.

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speaking

What is the most important thing for a child to develop early in life?

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'develop' and 'improve' to a friend.

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speaking

Roleplay a conversation between a developer and a city mayor.

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speaking

How do you develop a taste for something you don't like?

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speaking

Use 'develop' in a sentence about a mystery movie.

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speaking

What is a 'developing country' and why is the term used?

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listening

Listen for the word 'develop' in a news clip. What was the context?

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listening

How many times did the speaker say 'develop' in this audio?

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listening

Which syllable was stressed by the speaker: DE-velop or de-VEL-op?

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listening

Did the speaker say 'develop' or 'envelop'?

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listening

What object did the speaker 'develop' in the story?

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listening

Was the word 'develop' used as a verb or a noun (development)?

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listening

What was the result of the development mentioned in the audio?

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listening

Did the speaker use the idiom 'thick skin'?

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listening

Listen to the pronunciation of 'developed'. Is the 'ed' pronounced as /t/, /d/, or /id/?

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listening

What kind of 'developer' was the speaker talking about (software or property)?

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listening

In the phrase 'developing story,' does the speaker sound excited or serious?

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listening

What time frame did the development take, according to the speaker?

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listening

Which synonym did the speaker use instead of 'develop'?

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listening

Was the sentence in the active or passive voice?

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listening

What is the main point the speaker is making about development?

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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abvitfy

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