Instead of
He walked quickly across the room.
Try
“He strode across the room.”
Purposeful, confident.
Why it works
Each verb adds a motive the adverb never gave you. That's the difference between shorter and better.
Tone · Strong · Precise · Strong
Say This, Not That · Free
Choosing stronger verbs
The verb does the work. Let it.
Weak verbs need adverbs and adjectives propping them up. A precise verb carries the image on its own, which is why replacing verbs improves writing faster than replacing nouns.
Creative WritingAcademic WritingConcise Writing
Instead of · Try · Why it works
Instead of
The report says that revenue went up a lot.
Try
“The report shows revenue climbing 34%.”
Why it works
“Went up a lot” needs a number to mean anything, and “surged” tells the reader how to feel about that number.
Tone · Precise · Strong
Instead of
She was very quick to reply to the criticism.
Try
“She fired back within the hour.”
Why it works
Turning “was quick to reply” into a single verb gives the sentence movement instead of description.
Tone · Strong · Precise
Instead of
The policy had a negative impact on small businesses.
Try
“The policy squeezed small businesses.”
Why it works
“Had an impact on” hides the actual effect. Naming it, squeezed, raised costs, makes the claim checkable.
Tone · Strong · Precise
Don't overreach
A dramatic verb in a routine sentence sounds theatrical. “Revenue surged” is fine; “the invoice plummeted into my inbox” is not.
Your turn
No account, no credits, just pick the version that reads better.
You want to suggest confidence and purpose. Which verb?
Which is the most useful sentence in a business report?
When is a dramatic verb the wrong choice?
Want help with your own wording?
Better Word helps you find stronger, clearer and more fitting words for what you want to say, free.
Try Better WordThink you can choose the right wording in context?
Real-World Practice drops the same decisions into real situations. Free, no credits.
Try Real-World PracticeRelated lessons
Writing more concisely
Same meaning. Half the words.
“The movie was really good and very interesting.”
“The movie was compelling and unpredictable.”
Cutting “just”, “really”, “thing” and “said”
Delete the word. Read it again. Usually nothing is missing.
“I just wanted to just quickly check in about the thing we discussed.”
“Checking in about the pricing change we discussed.”
Better ways to say “good”
“Good” can mean five different things. Pick the one you mean.
“The film was really good.”
“The film was compelling, I didn't check my phone once.”