When it comes to using verbs in sentences, here’s the rule to live by: always take the time to find the best. Verbs come in all shapes and sizes, with some of them carrying similar meanings despite being different words. As such, finding the crispest, most perfect-fit verb to use in your sentences can take a little exercise in copy editing.
A lot of the time, verb use is what separates good writings from those that fail to elicit a reaction. Being the vibrant, action-filled portion of sentences, they can be the tool that springs your writing into life. Two verbs can relay the same message yet create two totally different pictures in the reader’s mind. When you put your writing through a grammar software and get alternate verb suggestions, always make sure to consider it, as the small change can mean a world of difference to your work.
The Shorter The Better
Verbs that express the sentence in shorter terms will always work better than those that create a wordier statement. For instance, a sentence like “I have put an end to the final steps of the mission,” comes across weaker compared to “I have carried out the final steps of the mission.” They’re both the same, but the first one puts more words that can be expressed much more briefly.
Nominalizations
Using verbs as nouns can work when done right. Most of the time, though, dropping the nominalization and using the verb as an action word works much better. For instance, a sentence like “The notification from Central Headquarters has been received on our end” can be much more succintly as “We’ve been notified by Central Headquarters.”
More Color
More descriptive verbs that stimulate the imagination will always work better than generic ones. Saying “I ran towards the crowd” just pales in comparison to “I dashed towards the crowd.” The image of you “dashing” lends a more hurried feel than simply “running.”
