As I slowly edit my latest manuscript, I find that I'm in the habit of utilizing adverbs and weak verbs...a lot. While I believe adverbs have their place in writing, I have to remind myself that I should search for strong verbs as a replacement. Verbs are commonly referred to as "action" words and choosing active verbs can help create a vibrant image in the readers' minds, eliminates wordiness and might even help you avoid the passive voice.
Here's a short list of strong verbs that have helped my writing come to live:
- attack
- bolt
- bounce
- chase
- coax
- conceal
- dash
- devour
- disappear
- dread
- emerge
- examine
- faint
- frolic
- gallop
- glare
- growl
- gulp
- howl
- hunt
- lash
- limp
- nuzzle
- ooze
- pester
- prance
- recuperate
- retrieve
- rush
- scurry
- shiver
- shriek
- shudder
- snuggle
- sprint
- stagger
- stumble
- trot
- tumble
- twist
- wander
- wobble
- yelp
Here's a short list of strong verbs that have helped my writing come to live:
- attack
- bolt
- bounce
- chase
- coax
- conceal
- dash
- devour
- disappear
- dread
- emerge
- examine
- faint
- frolic
- gallop
- glare
- growl
- gulp
- howl
- hunt
- lash
- limp
- nuzzle
- ooze
- pester
- prance
- recuperate
- retrieve
- rush
- scurry
- shiver
- shriek
- shudder
- snuggle
- sprint
- stagger
- stumble
- trot
- tumble
- twist
- wander
- wobble
- yelp
Related Posts:
Piper is the author of military lifestyle books and RV travel journals. When she isn't busy typing away on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Goodreads and Google+.
I just finished reading Stephen King's ON WRITING. He does a lot of hating on adverbs for the reasons you've stated. He thinks they're wimps. :)
ReplyDelete