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Improving Verbs

Verbs show action or a state of being. Verbs, however, are more than just words.
They determine whether or not a sentence is effective. A verb has the power to give
a sentence life or to kill the sentence.

Precise Verbs
Use specific, one-word verbs to replace tired, overused verbs (ex. say, go, move etc. ) and
multi-word verbs (turn down, look into, look up, give in etc.)

1. Try single word synonyms to convey the same meaning.
Ex. The legislature turned down the governor's compromise proposal.
Revision: The legislature rejected the governor's compromise proposal

Ex. The police are looking into the evidence.
Revision: The police are analyzing the evidence.

2. Avoid the overuse of forms of to be.
You may be surprised to see how many times you use one of the these words (am, is, was,
were, have been, is being, might be etc.) in a paragraph as your main verb. More than two
or three of these words may mean that you need to revise.

Ex. The cost of the trip will be between $800 and $900.
Revision: The trip will cost between $800 and $900.

Ex. The flower is pretty, and it is in bloom.
Revision: The pretty flower blossomed.

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