These Verbs Enhance Writing

Today we're talking about how certain verbs can really enhance your writing.

I'm Dustin, the online writing tutor, and if you like content like this, click the subscribe button and follow me on Youtube!

First, let's take a look below at different types of verbs, we have 3 major categories: Linking verbs, Helping verbs, and Action verbs.

Linking verbs make connections between ideas within a sentence. Helping verbs are there to assist the main verb within a sentence. Action verbs are what they sound like--they are actions (ex. He kicked the can.)

Here's why verbs matter. They are central to every sentence. They are the spark that ignites the engine that drives it forward. In fact, there can be no sentence without a verb. Therefore, the right verb can make all the difference.

Here are two ways to strengthen your verbs in your writing:

Below is another example. If we look at: The chess master talked positively about his opponent, we could change this to something more specific like -- the chess master praised his opponent.

Let's get some practice!

Here are the answers:

When we're using verbs, replacing linking verbs that don't mean much and that are there for grammatical purpose with more active alternatives, we can create more engaging writing which is going to be especially important in creative writing and description.

Here's another practice!

Here are the answers to Practice 2:

Nominalizations are nouns created from adjectives and verbs. For instance, "decide" becomes "decision."

Go ahead and practice changing the sentences below containing nominalizations by using an active verb instead:

Here are the answers:

Finally, we can look at the word "say" or "said", and this is often overused when we're reporting, making a speech, or quoting from a text. There are many alternatives to this and just thinking through more specifically what you want to use like--what was discussed? what is the attitude of the character? are they complaining about something? -- considering this can enhance your writing as well.

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