Spunk up your writing: Replace overused verbs

Even when using active verbs, sentences still may sound flat. More than likely, those active verbs are also overused.

An overused verb is one that’s commonplace and dull. Among the many active verbs that tend to be overused in our daily language and writing are sat, looked for, felt, enjoy, gave, and became.

Using such commonplace verbs amounts to inefficient writing and hence inefficient storytelling. Such words don’t give you the most value for your writing dollar.

Instead, invest in verbs that reveal mood. For example, replace a word like sat with slumped or flopped.

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