Author Confessions: Strong and Weak Verbs

I’ve not really considered the musculature of a verb until I was well into my writing career. As I mentioned when I discussed adverbs, they are often used as a cheat when using weak verbs.

I found an awesome definition: “Strong verbs are verbs that are precise, vivid, and descriptive, offering more specific and powerful imagery and meaning than weaker verbs. They can convey action, emotion, and clarity more effectively.” https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/strong-verbs  These are verbs that will not need an adverb.

So let’s look at a few weak verbs and stronger options for them. I’m using past tense because that is the most common tense for fiction.

Said – uttered, whispered, remarked, bellowed, hissed, remarked, commented

Walked – wandered, stomped, traipsed, sauntered, crept

Ran – raced, sped, jogged, hurried, darted, dashed, rushed

Sat – plopped, collapsed, settled down, positioned

Asked – queried, questioned, interrogated, requested, inquired

Went – moved, careened, darted, meandered, flew, exited

Got – acquired, seized, gathered, earned, procured, grasped, collected

Liked – enjoyed, admired, cherished, treasured, preferred, relished

Saw/Looked – searched, sought, peeked, explored, gazed, witnessed, viewed

These are not the only options for words to make your verbs pop and capture the reader. There are lists of various words with alternate stronger verb options found on-line and I have a few on my Pinterest Writer’s Toolbox page if you want to check it out.

Caveat

The regular, weak verbs can also be used! Don’t shun them completely. Sometimes you want to add more punch to your prose and if you need to write tight for word count purposes, then you want the stronger verbs because you can use less words and add vibrant color to a scene.

To use all the strong verbs, all the time, can come across as pretentious so you don’t want to unload an entire thesaurus into your book for the sake of variety. Try to use discernement and if the average, everyday, plain verb is best, then keep it. Also remember that in dialogue we often tend to use the regular words and don’t become more colorful in verbal expressions so unless that is a quirk of your character in the story, you might want to keep it simpler.

Confusing? I hope not! Stronger verbs can propel your story forward more effectively in some cases but not every verb has to be like that.