Constitute

The verb you use when “to be” — the foundational verb of the English language — the very bedrock from which Descartes derived our existence as intellectual beings — won’t do.

Usage: if “this is not financial advice” seems woolly or ambiguous try “this material does not constitute financial advice.”

Plain English Anatomy™ Noun | Verb | Adjective | Adverb | Preposition | Conjunction | Latin | Germany | Flannel | Legal triplicate | Nominalisation | Murder your darlings