ALL ABOUT VERBS AND ADVERBS

IMPROVE YOUR WRITING - CHOOSE EFFECTIVE VERBS, CUT OUT ADVERBS AND BRING COLOUR TO YOUR WRITING

There are commonplace verbs and there are specific, descriptive verbs. If you need to add an adverb, then you’re not selecting the most effective. For example:

He walked slowly down the street

He sauntered down the street (Removes the need for an adverb)

He walked jerkily down the street

He staggered down the street.

Now you can expand.

WHY IS HE STAGGERING? IS HE INJURED?

He staggered down the street, clutching his left arm. The blood oozed between his fingers. (This tells more but also creates a picture)

OTHER SITUATIONS – PERHAPS HE’S UPSET?

He stumbled down the street, oblivious to the crowds of shoppers who called insults after him.

IS HE HAPPY? (Even more expansion, and a scene the reader can visualise)

He waltzed down the street, hugging an old lady here, snatching a kiss from a young mother pushing a pram there, throwing a fistful of coins in the tin of a beggar.

They stared after him. Was he drunk? On drugs? Had he won the lottery? None guessed the real reason.

This is the writer, showing the reader what’s happening.