What are weak verbs? Weak verbs are action words that are used so frequently that they have little weight or meaning. While these words are natural parts of dialogue, they work less effectively in narrative to describe action. “She ran through the trees.” versus: “She careened through the trees.” The word “run” is a weak verb and doesn’t paint as vivid of a picture as “careen”. The suggestions above are suggestions only and will change the action and emotional value of your sentence depending on which one you choose. Consider the moment you’re trying to convey. Consider your character. Consider the mood and the level of danger. A character who’s terrified will careen through the trees. A character who’s furious will blast through the trees. A character who’s chasing something will zip through the trees.

What are weak verbs?

Weak verbs are action words that are used so frequently that they have little weight or meaning. While these words are natural parts of dialogue, they work less effectively in narrative to describe action.

“She ran through the trees.”

versus:

“She careened through the trees.”

The word “run” is a weak verb and doesn’t paint as vivid of a picture as “careen”. The suggestions above are suggestions only and will change the action and emotional value of your sentence depending on which one you choose.

Consider the moment you’re trying to convey. Consider your character. Consider the mood and the level of danger. A character who’s terrified will careen through the trees. A character who’s furious will blast through the trees. A character who’s chasing something will zip through the trees.

Posted 5 months ago
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Tagged: how to write, revising, weak verbs, writing advice, writing help, writing tips, .
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