Improve Your Writing With Specific Action Verbs

General verbs like see, walk and run have their place in preschool books. But after that, they lose their effectiveness.

When you write, use verbs that describe the specific action that is happening. General verbs like walk require each reader to interpret what the action looks like. In contrast, specific action verbs help your readers envision the action that you—the writer—want them to see. You create and control the mood, tone, pulse and rhythm of your writing simply with the verbs you choose.

For example, read through the following sentences:
      Mary skipped into the store.
      Mary shuffled into the store.
      Mary strutted into the store.
     
Each sentence evokes a different image. By changing only one word—the verb—the action dramatically changes. Your prose comes alive! When Mary skips, your readers see her skipping. As a result, you exert more control over your reader’s experience. And your reader finds the writing more engaging.

Here are some simple steps to help you ensure you use specific action verbs.
1. As you read through your draft, circle each verb.
2. Read your draft out loud and when you come to a verb, envision the action you intended.
3. Ask yourself, does this verb show what I, the writer, see in my mind’s eye?
4. If it does, great. If not, ask yourself, what verbs could I use? Then make a list of the best ones.
5. Read the sentence using each of the verbs. Which verb most closely portrays what you see in your mind’s eye?
6. When you have selected a verb, read the sentence using this verb and ask yourself, is this the best verb I can choose?
7. Continue this process until you feel you've made a great choice.

Remember, this is not about perfection. If you search for the "perfect" verb, your writing will never make it into the world. However, when you go through this simple exercise, you will spice up your writing and increase your reader’s appreciation of what you have written.