Word Choice Exercises
We walk down the same pathways everyday in our minds, saying the same things and following the same scripts. Have you ever used a pet phrase over and over again until it becomes almost a trademark? These exercises are designed to wear new trails in your brain toward more descriptive language and more unusual vocabulary.
Just because you can use a strange word doesn't mean you should. Don't use weird words just to flaunt your genius; choose the right word for the right job.
There are exercises in two areas:
Verbs
Remember, there are several ways to strengthen your verbs:
- Ask how an action occurred. Yes, the character ran. But how did he run?
- Sometimes an adverb is necessary, but usually there is a stronger verb that fits your purpose better.
- You can use metaphor to strengthen your verbs.
Improve the following three verbs by using either a more descriptive word or a metaphor.
Adjectives and Adverbs
Remember:
- A descriptive verb is better than any adverb.
- A descriptive noun is better than any adjective.
- You can replace adjectives and adverbs with metaphors.
Improve the following three adjectives or adverbs by using either a more descriptive word or a metaphor.
Done?
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