Verbal Expression (VE)
Verbal Expression (VE) is a scaled ASVAB composite based on Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension. It is used for AFQT and some occupational scores.
Exam Tip
VE is a weighted combination of WK and PC. The AFQT uses it twice before percentile conversion.
Verbal Expression
The ASVAB combines unrounded Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC) standard scores using weights to obtain VE. Rounded WK and PC scores alone cannot reproduce it.
For the AFQT, the intermediate composite is 2VE + AR + MK. The program converts that value to a percentile. With math scores fixed, a five-point increase in scaled VE adds ten points to the intermediate composite. The percentile change depends on the conversion.
VE also contributes to several occupational composites, such as Army GT and Air Force General. Improve the underlying skills by working on word meaning in context, synonyms, finding main ideas and drawing inferences from a passage.
Study This Term In
Third-party resources · We may earn a commission from purchases.
ASVAB Total Prep 2025-2026: Includes 7 Full Length Practice Tests + 2000+ Practice Questions and Flashcards + Online Access to Interactive Video Lessons and Tutorials (Kaplan Test Prep)
By Kaplan Test Prep
$54.99 · 
Take courses on Udemy
Practice exams on ExamEdge
Study guide on MometrixRelated Terms
Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)
The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) is the ASVAB percentile used to assess military enlistment eligibility. It uses four math and verbal subtests.
Word Knowledge (WK)
Word Knowledge is an ASVAB subtest that tests vocabulary skills, including identifying synonyms and understanding word meanings. Combined with Paragraph Comprehension, it forms the Verbal Expression (VE) score, which is doubled in the AFQT formula.
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Paragraph Comprehension is an ASVAB subtest that tests reading comprehension skills, including the ability to identify main ideas, draw conclusions, find specific details, and determine word meaning from context. It is one of the four subtests used in AFQT calculation.
GT Score (General Technical)
General Technical (GT) is an ASVAB occupational composite. In the Army it combines scaled Verbal Expression (VE) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
Your AI study companion · 10 free interactions a day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.