Use strong verbs

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Use strong verbs that keep your texts clear, simple, and concise.

Many people tend to use “smothered verbs” because they feel that these verbs make their text sound more sophisticated. A smothered verb is a verb that is converted into a noun, which is then made the object of a less precise verb. (See the examples below.)

Avoid all sorts of smothered verbs.

No:

We held a meeting and reached a decision on the improvement of our documents.

Yes:

We met and decided on how to improve our documents.

No:

The first step is the deletion of all needless words.

Yes:

The first step is to delete all needless words.

No:

Our software can be of help to you.

Yes:

Our software can help you.

No:

There are four screens within the wizard.

Yes:

The wizard consists of four screens.

No:

You can exert influence on the printing quality by using different types of paper.

Yes:

You can influence printing quality by using different types of paper.

Additional examples:

Instead of …

use the stronger, simpler verb …

achieve reductions

reduce

conduct an analysis

analyze

conduct an investigation of

investigate

do an inspection of

inspect, check

form a plan

plan

give an answer to

answer

have knowledge of

know

have reservations about

doubt

have a concern

worry

hold a meeting

meet

make a decision

decide

make a distinction

distinguish

make a proposal

propose

make a recommendation

recommend

make a suggestion

suggest

provide a solution

solve

reach an agreement

agree

 


Blacklist: Overblown words

Use the active voice