Module 1 — Effective
writing: Strategies
and principles
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Verb-based writing
The next time you are impressed by the quality and clarity of a piece of writing, have a close look at it. You are likely to find that the writing is strong on verbs and light on abstract nouns (names of concepts or qualities that you cannot see or touch: for example, conclusion, consideration, realization). If you resist the tendency to write 'elongated' verbs like the ones below, your writing will be both improved and shorter. Use vigorous verbs whenever possible to give your writing strength.
Elongated verbs
Have a look at this list of verb phrases. Write down in the space provided the concise way of saying the same thing. In these cases, the answer is just one word.
ELONGATED VERBS |
CONCISE VERBS |
ANSWER |
|---|---|---|
Perform an analysis of |
analyse |
|
Take action on |
act |
|
Make assumptions about |
assume |
|
Be in a position to |
can |
|
Effect a change in |
change |
|
Reach a conclusion about |
conclude |
|
Give consideration to |
consider |
|
Is corrective of |
correct |
|
Make a decision regarding |
decide |
|
Is dependent on |
depends |
|
Bring to an end |
end |
|
Make an examination of |
examine |
|
To be cognizant of |
know |
|
Place an order for |
order |
|
Make a realization that |
realize |
|
Make a recommendation that |
recommend |
|
Effect a reduction in |
reduce |
|
Exhibit a tendency to |
tend |