Strong Language
Enhancing your writing’s allure is surprisingly simple – replace weak language with vivid, descriptive prose.
While it may take time to acclimate to this technique, practice makes it more effortless.
But how do you identify weak language? Here are common pitfalls to watch out for while applying this writing tip:
Passive voice – Passive voice arises from using forms of ‘to be’ with past participles. It highlights the object instead of the subject. In simpler terms, if something was done by someone or something, it’s in passive voice. For example, ‘The biscuits (object) was ate by the dog (subject).’ is passive voice, whereas, ‘The dog (subject) ate the biscuits (object).’ is a active voice.
Active Voice:
The subject performs the action.The structure is usually Subject + Verb + Object.It’s often more concise and direct.It typically provides clearer attribution of actions to specific individuals or entities.Example: The baker (subject) is making (verb) a cake (object)
Passive Voice:
The subject receives the action.The structure is typically Object + Verb (to be) + Past Participle + (by + Agent).It can be less direct and less clear about who is performing the action.It’s often used when the doer of the action is either unknown, less important, or when the focus is on the action itself.Example: The cake (object) is made (verb) by the baker (subject).
Weak verbs – These are basic, non-specific versions of stronger verbs. For example,
Weak Verb: She walked to the party. Stronger Verb: She strolled to the party.Weak Verb: He said something important. Stronger Verb: He uttered something important.Weak Verb: They ate dinner quickly. Stronger Verb: They devoured dinner quickly.Weak Verb: She ran across the field. Stronger Verb: She sprinted across the fieldSome more examples:
Weak Verb: WalkStronger Verbs: Stroll, March, Stride, SaunterWeak Verb: SayStronger Verbs: Utter, Speak, Mutter, ExpressWeak Verb: EatStronger Verbs: Devour, Consume, Feast, IngestWeak Verb: RunStronger Verbs: Sprint, Dash, Race, BoltWeak Verb: DoStronger Verbs: Accomplish, Execute, Perform, AchieveWeak Verb: MakeStronger Verbs: Create, Construct, Craft, FormulateWeak Verb: HaveStronger Verbs: Possess, Acquire, Own, HoldWeak Verb: GetStronger Verbs: Obtain, Secure, Gain, RetrieveWeak Verb: GiveStronger Verbs: Offer, Provide, Bestow, DonateWeak Verb: TakeStronger Verbs: Seize, Grab, Acquire, CaptureEmotion explaining – If you’re using emotion words in your writing, it’s a sign that you need to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell.’ Stating, ‘She was scared,’ is telling. You can immerse your readers more effectively by conveying her fear through body language, dialogue, and descriptive details. Example, her heart raced as a peculiar, eerie sound scratched against her windowpane. She clutched the sheets, eyes wide, breath trembling, every nerve on edge.
Happy Writing!
