Some Key Verbs To Avoid In Your Writing #WritingTips

What? Unnecessary verbs in writing? But…sentences need verbs. Ah, yes, of course they do!

But some drag the sentence down, make your character sound less sure of herself, and adds unnecessary length to your sentences.

Here are the ones to avoid:

Think: 

Needs improvement: I think this apple pie recipe is too complex to make. I found an easier one.

Best: This apple pie recipe is too complex to make. I found an easier one.

Here’s an example from my novel, Secrets, where using “think” is appropriate because it adds to the banter between the couple:

“I’m thinking in hyperbole. Isn’t that a delicious word?”

Dave laughed. “I’m thinking maybe you shouldn’t have had that second drink at the reception.”

 

Seem:

Needs improvement: She seemed to be having an awful day.

Best:  She’s having an awful day.

 

Watch:

Needs improvement: She leaned against the wall and watched him walk away until he turned a corner and was gone.

Best: She leaned against the wall, waiting to leave until he disappeared around the corner.

 

Decide:

Needs improvement: He had to decide if he wanted to play soccer or baseball.

Best: He could play either soccer or baseball.

 

Realize:

Needs improvement: She realized that she left her purse at home.

Best: She left her purse at home.

 

Touch:

Needs improvement: He touched the cactus and needles embedded into his hand.

Best: The cactus needles embedded in his hand.

 

See:

Needs improvement: He saw her running after her friend, but she wasn’t able to catch him.

Best: She ran after her friend, but she couldn’t catch him.

 

Know:

Needs improvement: She knows he really loves to sing in the shower.

Best: He loves to sing in the shower.