What should you avoid when using verbs in writing?

What should you avoid when using verbs in writing?

• A. Avoid smothered verbs; use specific verbs instead of general ones with extra words that confuse readers.
• B. Use as many adjectives as possible to cover meaning.
• C. Prefer passive voice to be safe.
• D. Use vague verbs to keep options open.

Answer: (A)

Focus on choosing verbs that carry the action directly. Smothered verbs are weak because they hide the action behind extra words. Replace general, padding phrases with a specific verb: “decided” instead of “made a decision,” “investigated” instead of “conducted an investigation,” “improved” instead of “made improvements.” This makes sentences clearer and more economical, helping readers grasp what happened quickly. Merely adding adjectives won’t fix a weak verb, and relying on passive voice or vague verbs tends to muddy who did what and what happened. So the best approach is to avoid smothered verbs and use precise, strong verbs that express the action on their own.

Focus on choosing verbs that carry the action directly. Smothered verbs are weak because they hide the action behind extra words. Replace general, padding phrases with a specific verb: “decided” instead of “made a decision,” “investigated” instead of “conducted an investigation,” “improved” instead of “made improvements.” This makes sentences clearer and more economical, helping readers grasp what happened quickly. Merely adding adjectives won’t fix a weak verb, and relying on passive voice or vague verbs tends to muddy who did what and what happened. So the best approach is to avoid smothered verbs and use precise, strong verbs that express the action on their own.