08-11-2011, 08:59 PM
[COLOR="#006400"]How to Replace Verbs That Result in Dull or Wordy Sentences
Reading something with dull wording or sentences that are too wordy causes boredom for many people. When you are writing something, try to replace dull words with more actionable words. One primary way to do this is to use vivid verbs. Vivid verbs are vibrant, dramatic and provide more description to the reader than when a writer uses dull verbs. When you use vivid verbs, a reader may become more interested in your writing and will have a clearer picture of what you are saying through your words.
Instructions
1
Become familiar with vivid verbs. There are numerous lists available of verbs that help readers form mental pictures. These verbs are more actionable and descriptive than regular verbs. Examples of vivid verbs are "stroll," "reveal," "wept," "expose" and "strike."
2
Cut out unnecessary words in sentences. These extra words add nothing to the writing or meaning of the sentence. For example, you can rewrite "He did not remember to bring his homework" as "He forgot his homework" without changing the meaning.
3
Eliminate passive voice. When writing, make your sentences more clear and direct by using active voice. For example, the sentence "He did not remember to bring his homework" is a passive sentence. Make it more concise by rewording it to "He forgot his homework." This eliminates extra wording, which makes it more succinct. Another example of this is changing the sentence "The vase was broken by the girl who ran around the corner" to "The girl broke the vase as she sprinted around the corner."
4
Look for vague verbs and replace them. In your sentences, look for verbs that you can replace with more actionable or descriptive verbs. For example, you can change the sentence "She cried when her dog died" to "She wept streams of tears when her dog died." The second sentence provides a better description for the reader.[/COLOR]
Reading something with dull wording or sentences that are too wordy causes boredom for many people. When you are writing something, try to replace dull words with more actionable words. One primary way to do this is to use vivid verbs. Vivid verbs are vibrant, dramatic and provide more description to the reader than when a writer uses dull verbs. When you use vivid verbs, a reader may become more interested in your writing and will have a clearer picture of what you are saying through your words.
Instructions
1
Become familiar with vivid verbs. There are numerous lists available of verbs that help readers form mental pictures. These verbs are more actionable and descriptive than regular verbs. Examples of vivid verbs are "stroll," "reveal," "wept," "expose" and "strike."
2
Cut out unnecessary words in sentences. These extra words add nothing to the writing or meaning of the sentence. For example, you can rewrite "He did not remember to bring his homework" as "He forgot his homework" without changing the meaning.
3
Eliminate passive voice. When writing, make your sentences more clear and direct by using active voice. For example, the sentence "He did not remember to bring his homework" is a passive sentence. Make it more concise by rewording it to "He forgot his homework." This eliminates extra wording, which makes it more succinct. Another example of this is changing the sentence "The vase was broken by the girl who ran around the corner" to "The girl broke the vase as she sprinted around the corner."
4
Look for vague verbs and replace them. In your sentences, look for verbs that you can replace with more actionable or descriptive verbs. For example, you can change the sentence "She cried when her dog died" to "She wept streams of tears when her dog died." The second sentence provides a better description for the reader.[/COLOR]
