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Novel writing ,

Vivid verbs – the easy way to spice up your writing.

By Harry Bingham

The ultimate guide on how to use verbs in your writing, including vivid verb examples and a handy list of over 333 strong verbs!

Sometimes you write something and it just feels… dead.

So you go to work on it, juicing it up with adjectives and adverbs. Trying to put a sparkle into your writing. Only then do you take a step back and look again.

And what you have is actually  worse . It’s still flat, but somehow trying too hard at the same time. Like playing canned laughter at your own bad party.

So let’s pare back and go back to basics.

Write with nouns and verbs, not with adjectives and adverbs. The adjective hasn’t been built that can pull a weak or inaccurate noun out of a tight place. From The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

I believe the road to hell is paved with adverbs, and I will shout it from the rooftops. To put it another way, they’re like dandelions. If you have one on your lawn, it looks pretty and unique. If you fail to root it out, however, you find five the next day… fifty the day after that… and then, my brothers and sisters, your lawn is totally, completely, and profligately covered with dandelions. Stephen King

Others, such as  Elmore Leonard  and  Mark Twain , seem to agree.

So what’s the problem that all these authors are getting riled up about? The fix sounds simple enough, and yet we may still find ourselves asking: exactly what are vivid verbs?

Weak Verb + Adverb Versus Strong Verb

Take a look at these sentences:

• “No, Thomas,” she said  very   quietly .
• He ran  as quickly as he possibly could  to the station.
• She jumped  as high as she knew how  off the diving platform.

The words in italics are either adverbs or (same basic idea) adverbial phrases. And don’t you feel how cluttered they are? Don’t you feel like there are a lot of words being used there to communicate very little?

Here’s how we could have done it:

• “No, Thomas,” she whispered.
• He raced to the station.
• She leapt off the diving platform.

Fewer words. No adverbs. Simple, effective communication. Doing more with less.

And that’s the basic idea about vivid verbs. If you use the right verb, you will communicate more swiftly and effectively than if you choose the wrong one to start with – then try to patch the damage with yet more verbiage.

OK. So that’s a win. But there’s more to explore here – because, yes, there’s another way to go wrong with creative writing verbs, and it’s this.

State of Being Verbs

• Jerry  was a great believer in the virtues of cold water.
• Jemima was never out of bed before midday.

Notice that both those sentences use a state-of-being verb (in this case, “was”) to link a person to something about that person.

And, OK, there are plenty of times when that’s a perfectly fine approach. None of the issues raised in this blog post are rules; they’re more like guidelines, or at least useful things to think about.

But in this case, both sentences could be made better by using a more active verb – a vivid verb – in place of that state of being one. Here’s how those sentences could have gone:

• Jerry believed passionately in the virtues of cold water.
• Jemima lay in bed well beyond midday.

Better right? Jerry is now doing something, not just being something. And in Jemima’s case, we’ve removed that negative / state of being approach, and made a positive statement about her indolence. Both sentences seem somehow more active, more emphatic.

Oh yes: and you probably noticed that, in the sentence about Jerry, I slipped the word  passionately  in there. That’s optional, but if you want to strengthen the verb, you can. There’s no neat one-word way to say “believed passionately”, so using an adverb there is certainly a legitimate choice.

There Is / There Are

Another perfectly valid construction in English is to start a sentence with “there is” or “there are”. For example:

• There were  countless trees in that forest and only one of them…
• There are  many opportunities at this company…

Those sentences are not grammatically wrong. You won’t get shot if you use them.

Well, we could do better right? For example:

• Countless trees peopled that forest and only one of them…
• This company offers many opportunities…

In the first case, we’ve got rid of a horrible empty construction (“there were”), we’ve used a good strong verb (“peopled”), and the whole sentence has got better. It feels like that forest is more alive, more exciting. That’s a perfect demonstration of how a good vivid verb can help fix an underpowered sentence.

Same thing with the next sentence too. In the first version, the “company” features only as an afterthought. In the second version, it is actively offering something – it’s the subject of its own sentence and its generosity seems now like a positive act. And note the role of the verb here. The act of generosity is encapsulated in that verb, “offers”. We’ve killed a weak verb, added a vivid one – and our sentence has improved.

Better right? And so damn easy.

Passive Verbs vs Active Verbs

Let’s take a look at two more sentences.

• The cake  was made  by my grandma.
• The fender  was bent out of shape  by a fallen branch.

And yes: you spotted the issue there. In both cases, the sentences use the passive voice, not the active voice. So the person who actually made the cake was grandma. The thing that actually bent that fender was the branch. (Need more help remembering the difference between active versus passive?  Check out this easy guide .)

So in effect, both sentences pushed the real subject to the back of the sentence, almost as though shoving them out of sight. Here’s how to rewrite those sentences and make them better:

• My grandma made the cake.
• A fallen branch bent the fender. (Yes, you could say “out of shape” but doesn’t the word bent already convey exactly that? I think it does.)

But again, I want to remind you that we’re dealing with guidelines not rules here. Which of these is better:

• Detective Jonas arrested and charged the suspect.
• The suspect was arrested and charged.

The first sentence is all about the admirable Detective Jonas. But what if we don’t care about him? What if this story is all about the suspect, and what happens to him? In that case, the second sentence is better. In fact, the use of the passive voice here almost emphasises the suspect’s powerlessness.

As always in writing, you need to use your judgement. And if in doubt, you can find extra help  here and  here!

Sometimes Weak Verbs Are OK

And while we’re on the issue of judgement, let’s just remember that sometimes weak verbs are really OK.

For example, you can’t get a much blander verb than  say / said . So you might think that your dialogue should be littered with words like trumpeted, shouted, asserted, called, whispered, muttered, declaimed, hollered, and so on.

But can you imagine how ridiculous that would get how quickly? And what do you want people to pay attention to? The dialogue itself, or your comments about it?

There’s no contest.

In other words: weak / dull / lifeless verbs are fine when you don’t especially want to call attention to that part of your writing.  Let the dialogue shine . The rest of it can just go quietly about its job.

The Ultimate List Of 333+ Strong Verbs

OK. That’s a lot of preamble. But you want some vivid verbs? You got em.

Here goes, grouped by the kind of word they might replace:

Instead of say:

Ask, enquire, reply, answer, state, hiss, whisper, mumble, mutter, comment, bark, assert, shout, yell, holler, roar, rage, argue, implore, plead, exclaim, gasp, drawl, giggle, whimper, snort, growl, scream, sing, stammer

Instead of run :

Sprint, dart, bolt, canter, gallop, trot, zoom, hurry, speed, jog, saunter, scamper, hurtle, rush, scramble, spring, swing, swoop, dive, careen

Instead of walk :

Stroll, hike, promenade, saunter, march, amble, stride, tread, pace, toddle, totter, stagger, perambulate

Instead of look :

Observe, glance, stare, examine, peek, study, notice, see, glare

Instead of go:

Leave, depart, shift, take off, move on, quit, exit, take a hike, travel, drive, proceed, progress, run, walk away

Instead of eat :

Pick at, nibble, munch, chew, gobble, devour, consume, demolish, gulp, swallow, scarf, wolf

Instead of hold :

Grip, clench, grasp, seize, reach, embrace, clamp, clench, clasp, grab

Instead of give :

Provide, offer, present, hand over, deliver, contribute, furnish, donate, bequeath, pass over, pass to, extend, assign, allow, lend, bestow, grant, award, confer

Instead of let:

Allow, permit, authorise, agree to, consent to, accede to, give permission for

Instead of put:

Place, set, lay, position, settle, leave, situate, locate, plant, deposit, plonk, plunk

Instead of pull :

Yank, heave, haul, draw, cart, lug, hump, drag, tow, jerk, attract, pluck, wrench

Instead of move :

Progress, transfer, shift, topple, change, redeploy, refocus, relocate, prod, nudge, induce, cause, budge, stir, lead, encourage, propose, induce, slink, scamper, careen, zip, ram, drift, droop, heave, edge, stalk, tiptoe, creep, crawl, plod, waddle, drag, stagger

Sensory verbs / quiet:

Sigh, murmur, rustle, hum, patter, clink, tinkle, chime, whir, swish, snap, twitter, hiss, crackle, peep, bleat, buzz

Sensory verbs / noisy:

Crash, thunder, clap, stomp, beat, squawk, shout, yell, explode, smash, detonate, boom, echo, bark, bawl, clash, smash, jangle, thump, grate, screech, bang, thud, blare

Instead of tell :

Order, command, instruct, dictate, require, insist, warn, caution, decree, mandate, charge, direct, dominate, lead, rule

Instead of like:

Love, adore, yearn, treasure, worship, prefer, idolise, cherish, admire, enjoy, be fond of, be keen on, be partial to, fancy, care for, appreciate, hold dear

Instead of want:

Desire, crave, covet, yearn for, aspire to, envy, fancy, require, wish for, hanker after, need, lack, miss, aim for, choose

Instead of cover:

Bury, wrap, conceal, mask, veil, hide, cloak, shroud envelope, obscure, blanket, curtain

Instead of throw:

Toss, lob, chuck, heave, fling, pitch, shy, hurl, propel, bowl, cast, drop, project

Instead of surprise:

Confuse, puzzle, bewilder, baffle, bamboozle, disconcert, flummox, perplex

Have fun, my friends, and happy writing!

About the author

Harry has written a variety of books over the years, notching up multiple six-figure deals and relationships with each of the world’s three largest trade publishers. His work has been critically acclaimed across the globe, has been adapted for TV, and is currently the subject of a major new screen deal. He’s also written non-fiction, short stories, and has worked as ghost/editor on a number of exciting projects. Harry also self-publishes some of his work, and loves doing so. His Fiona Griffiths series in particular has done really well in the US, where it’s been self-published since 2015. View his website , his Amazon profile , his Twitter . He's been reviewed in Kirkus, the Boston Globe , USA Today , The Seattle Times , The Washington Post , Library Journal , Publishers Weekly , CulturMag (Germany), Frankfurter Allgemeine , The Daily Mail , The Sunday Times , The Daily Telegraph , The Guardian , and many other places besides. His work has appeared on TV, via Bonafide . And go take a look at what he thinks about Blick Rothenberg . You might also want to watch our " Blick Rothenberg - The Truth " video, if you want to know how badly an accountancy firm can behave.

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architectus Banned

List of good action verbs, listed by action, help out.

Discussion in ' Word Mechanics ' started by architectus , Oct 5, 2008 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); List of action verbs. It’s all about verbs. This will be an ongoing project. Feel free to add to the list, and if you do so, please write the action in which it belongs to. Example entry. Action: SLOW – Glided, lingered. If those are the two words you thought of. Please make sure the word is not already in the list. I will check here often and add your words to the list. If you need to make a new category, please do so. Words in green , I feel are weak, not bad, just weak. Meaning they do not produce as strong a feeling, but that might be good in many cases. They night not produce clear imagery in the mind’s eye. Words in red , I feel are strong, and paint a good image in the mind’s eye. Action: SLOW Crawled , crept, dragged, glided, inched , lazyed?, lingered, lurched, lurked, moused, plodded, prowled, pussyfooted , retarded, snaked , slacked, slid , slinked, slither, slothed?, slowed , sluggish, sneaked , snooped , snuck , tapered , tip-toed , wormed, Action: WALK Advanced, approached , followed, footed, hiked, marched , paced, patrolled, pranced , roamed, romped, stepped, skipped, stalked, , stomped , strode , strolled, strutted , trailed , traveled , traversed , treaded, waddled, waded, walked , wandered, wobbled Action: RUN, MOVE FAST Accelerate , barreled , blasted by, blurred, bolted , charged, chased, cheeta’ed? Lol, crashed through, dashed, darted, flashed, fled , flew, flung by, galloped, glided , hasted, hurried , hustled , jerked, jetted, jogged , passed , pelted, plowed , plunged, pounced, pressed , proceeded , propelled, pummeled, pushed forward , pushed on , raced, rammed, ran , rocketed, rushed, sailed, scampered, scooted, scrambled, scurried , scuttled, shoved , skedaddled, stampeded, speeded, spurted , sprinted, sprung , streamed by, thrust, traced , trotted, whisked, zipped , zoomed Action: SAW, LOOK Admired, awed, beamed , beheld, detected , eyed, focused, gaped, gawked, gazed, glanced, glared, goggled, looked, narrowed , observed , peeked , peered, perceived , riveted, saw, scanned, sighted , spied, spotted, squinted , stared , studied , surveyed, undressed (with eyes ), viewed, watched , Action: Facial Expressions (emotions) Bawled, beamed, blank faced , breathed , cackled, chuckled, contorted, cried , flexed brows (jaw), frowned, giggled , glowered, Grimaced, grinned, jaw dropped , laughed, mocked , mouthed, mugged, narrowed eyes , pinched brows (forehead), pursed lips, pouted, puckered, raised brows, rolled eyes , scowled , screamed, scrunched (Forehead, lips, face, brows, nose), sighed, smiled, smelled , smirked, snarled, sneered, squawked, squinted , squinched, unreadable, wept, wrinkled nose (eyes, face, nose, forehead, etc) , yelled, Action: Sit, lay Laid , napped , perched , reclined , relaxed on, rested on , roosted, sat, settled , squatted , stretched out on, Action: Rise, get up. Arose, ascended , catapulte d, emerged, launched up , lifted, mounted, raised, rose , soared, sprung , stood , Action: Set down, pick up. Deposited , dropped, dumped, laid , flung down , grabbed, hurled down , picked up, placed , plucked , put, seized, set down , snatched , threw down, took , tossed (down, on), yanked , Action: Grab Abducted, clamped, clinched , clutched, confiscated , gathered, grabbed, grappled, grasped, gripped , held, nabbed, plucked , possessed, secured, seized, snatched , took , vised? White knuckles is a good way to show grabbing something tightly. Action: Throw, be thrown Cast, catapulted , chucked, flicked , flipped, floored, flounced, flung, heaved, hurled, hurtled, launched, lobbed , pelted, pitched, plunged, projected, propelled , slung, threw , thrown , tossed (over hand tossed) , whirled , Other verbs that need to be put into categories. Crouched, hunched , kneeled, jutted , hung, hung limply , hedged  

Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); You could just as well use a thesaurus. But the same caveat applies to both: if you don't really know the verb well, including the subtle shades of meaning, don't use it! You won't make the writing sound better in that case. For an online thesaurus, try: http://thesaurus.reference.com/ . Proceed with caution.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Cog true, but the thesaurus doesn't have all these words under one listing. I guess what I am trying to do is put together a subject thesaurus. Hopefully people will remember cool words from novels they have read and add to it. As I come across more, I will add them as well. For instance type run into that thesaurus. Scroll down to verb. There is a long list of mostly not helpful words. And a lot of the words I listed are not there.  

The-Joker Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); I agree, the use of a thesaurus generally yields nothing helpful, which is why I don't consult it. This however is great. I was actually wondering if there was a book that tackled writing in a similar vain, listing all the possible variations for a broad verb... Keep this one up! and make a book out of it while you at it.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Thanks Joker. If you think of any words to add, post them please. Also, I want to add verb phrases as well. Things that stood out in my mind like, The cig jutted from his mouth.  

Last1Left Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); For facial expressions, instead of pinched brows , furrowed brows would do. Also, the verb contort does nicely. Like, "His face contorted with disgust," or something along those lines. Anyways, I really like this idea. Keep it up.  

Raven Banned

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); architectus said: ↑ List of action verbs. It’s all about verbs. This will be an ongoing project. Feel free to add to the list, and if you do so, please write the action in which it belongs to. Click to expand...

Lucy E. Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Retarded? Not the idea, the word that you have under 'slow'. I think if one called a character in their work 'retarded', it would produce a lot of bad feelings towards the writer...  

Banzai One-time Mod, but on the road to recovery Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); I agree with Lucy. Copying and pasting a thesaurus is not a good idea, as the thesaurus itself doesn't take into account modern usage of words.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); lazyed - no such word persed lips - it's 'pursed' slothed - no such word cheeta'ed - no such word trot - is genuinely used to decribe a leisurely prance rather than running/moving fast vised - no such word chucked/lobbed - both are slang words, and show very poor writing unless used as part of a character's voice/dialogue While I like this idea, you should definitely check the words before putting them up. Incorrect spellings and marking slang words as strong words can be very misleading.  

lordofhats New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Lucy E. said: ↑ chucked/lobbed - both are slang words, and show very poor writing unless used as part of a character's voice/dialogu. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); I'm referring to general use - if it's being used in that situation then it's fine, but 'he lobbed the flowers into the crowd' is generally considered slang/poor wording. In Britain it is, anyway.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); I am aware words like slothed or cheeta'ed are not words, but they are cool and I doubt any reader would have a hard time understanding them used as verbs. We invent new verbs all the time.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); architectus said: ↑ I am aware words like slothed or cheeta'ed are not words, but they are cool and I doubt any reader would have a hard time understanding them used as verbs. We invent new verbs all the time. Click to expand...

Rei Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); It depends on how you use them.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Lucy, in the end I suppose it is up to the publisher. They will either have the word changed or leave it. I think though made up words can serve a good purpose. He slothed into bed. (This paints a vivid picture in my mind.) He slowly crawled into bed. (Paints a similar picture, but I had to use an adverb.) He crawled into bed. (Paints a different picture.) He inched into bed. (Probably comes the closest to the movie I get from he slothed into bed.) Hmm, interesting enough, the spell checker here says everything is spelled correctly. I wonder why it didn't try to correct slothed.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Actually, the publisher will either accept the manuscript of reject it. Guess which is more likely.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); If a publisher likes a book, they are not going to reject it because of a few words, or sentences the don't like. They will ask for it to be fixed. According to the books I have read, in which publishers share their thoughts and exeriences, this ist he case. If publishers rejected manuscripts they liked simply because they felt it needed a little more editing, they might never publish anything.  

ward New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); First... love this site... especially the action verb part... for they are the life of written word... Second... another verb flared briefly in the early sixties is/was "torqued." The primary use of the word is the amount of foot/pounds of pressure one puts on a nut (or bolt) when tightening it with a wrench. (In engine mechanics, that actually counts). However the "new" useage that came out of it was if a person was really tense or wired up, one would say, that guy is "all torqued up." (...or if an athelete was getting ready for his event, or a senior was preparing for her prom etc.) Thirdly, another useage for "trot" is what one does when one has the "runs" and is headed for the bathroom.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Another great action verb for slowly departing is "Shamble." One of George Harrison's eulogies went something like, "...and for a moment, the world stopped while George slowly shambled off."  

InkyBlot New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Well I personally thought this was a good idea, although some people always want to disagree -_-  

lynneandlynn New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Honestly I don't like how you have "Slow" listed as a verb since it's technically an adjective... But here's some for walking Walk: Amble, ambulate, canter, escort, file, foot, go, go on foot, hike, hoof it, lead, locomote, lumber, meander, pace, pad, parade, perambulate, plod, race, roam, rove, run, saunter, scuff, shamble, shuffle, slog, stride, stroll, stump, toddle, tour, traipse, tramp, trek, troop, trudge, wander  

mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); 'slow' also has a legitimate verb form... as in 'Slow it down!'... or 'he slowed down, when he came to the corner'...  

Atari Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); Walked: Amble, saunter, perambulate. Throw: Defenestrate. Eat/Chew: Masticate. Slow: Decelerate Those are fairly specific words, but they all have a direct relation to the original word.  

DvnMrtn Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_b2c7edd9dbd13922ead94837f4c49370'); }); I hate to sound pessimistic but isn't this somewhat pointless? People have already done this work for you Thesaurus! If you don't have one you can always use the one online (it's the one I use) http://thesaurus.reference.com/  

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Vibrant Verbs List

Verbs are words that show action. One interesting action verb can add a lot of detail to a story. Consider these vibrant verb comparisons: He said, "Be quiet." or He hissed, "Quiet!" The cowboy walked in or The cowboy sauntered over The witch was making or The witch was brewing These are just a few examples of how strong action verbs help you tell not just what someone is doing. A good verb also shows how and in what manner or style the character is doing something. See our story samples for more vibrant verbs in action. These action verbs lists for kids make it easier to add more exciting verbs to your creative writing or storytelling.

Choose a List of Action Verbs:

• Easy Action Verbs List - 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade verbs
• Advanced Action Verbs List - 5th grade, 6th grade, Middle Schoool verbs

Activities:

Also try our verb activities.

Interesting Verbs List- For Kids Grades 2, 3, 4

Download the list of action verbs for kids in 2nd, 3rd, 4th grade: PDF Download-- Exciting Verbs List (2nd, 3rd, 4th grade)

chomp dine graze guzzle munch slurp ask beg plead question hiss snuffle squeal yell gasp huff sigh snap whisper bellow croak cry howl roar scream shout shriek boast command instruct reply teach build craft create brew mix gel liquefy dig burrow sink

climb mount scale crumple crush wreck close shut slam excite calm lull soothe enjoy hope imagine listen aid cherish prize treasure adore gaze look peek peer exit leave halt quit chase follow obey pursue float glide soar flow ooze race roll slide speed

soak spatter speckle sprinkle gush loaf lounge nap snooze snore squeeze jab poke smudge stroke force nudge prod crawl creep march plod stride wander bolt dart dash run scurry skip fumble grasp hold crave want wish

Interesting Verbs List- Grades 5, 6, Middle School

Download the action verbs list for kids in 5th grade, 6th grade and middle school: PDF Download-- Interesting Verbs List (5th, 6th, Middle School)

devour digest dine drain gorge guzzle indulge inhale slurp nibble boast announce comment declare utter gasp huff sigh snap guffaw snicker bellow holler howl lament shriek wail blabber bluster gush scoff snuffle squeal inquire implore plead require instruct demand encourage impress manipulate persuade insult leach neglect outrage overrule pacify confuse confound dazzle deceive conceal

crave desire wish imagine exhaust excite ignite petrify startle deter forbid halt chase follow obey pursue arrive exit journey traverse venture ascend mount scale burrow sink assault disarm cleave dismantle corrupt ruin craft create design manufacture gel liquefy brew extract alter evolve modify morph enjoy relish gloat wallow

adore amuse cherish treasure despise loathe dwell occupy admire gaze peek peer bargain deal plot conspire cascade flow ooze spatter spew sprinkle float glide cast catapult hurl lob nudge prod jab poke smudge stroke loaf lounge amble creep dawdle lope stagger bolt scurry flounce stroll stride meander plod saunter stalk wander

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How to Use Verbs in Creative Writing

Verbs play a vital role in your storytelling by supporting the action and adding depth to your narrative. Used correctly, verbs can elevate your creative writing, adding meaning and impact to your prose. But understanding the various types of verbs can be confusing for many writers.

Let's check them out and consider how to apply them to your writing.

Action verbs

Action verbs describe what your characters are doing, and  are generally a stronger verb choice than other types. Instead of saying, "She walked into the library," a more interesting verb would bring this statement to life while revealing more context to your reader. 

For example, “She dashed into the library.”

Why? Is this protagonist in a hurry? Late? Trying to get away from someone? By simply changing the action verb here, we have made the line significantly more compelling. 

Modal verbs

Modal verbs express necessity, possibility, permission or ability, and add nuance to your characters' actions and motivations. 

Consider the example: "He might have told her.” Here, "might" and "had" are the modal verbs, as they modify the main verbs "told" and "have."

The sentence implies uncertainty or hesitation, by suggesting that this character may or may not have told another character something, leading us to wonder, what is hidden or uncertain and why?

As further examples, "He barged into the room" implies determination, while "He crept into the room" suggests caution. 

Copular/linking verbs 

Copular verbs, also known as linking verbs, help paint a complete picture of your characters and their emotions by connecting them to a description or state of being.

For example, instead of just saying someone seemed happy, you can use a copular verb to paint a clearer picture of their emotions.  E.g.,"She seemed happy" could be more vividly described as "She radiated happiness.”  Or, instead of "He  seemed nervous"  you might say "H e appeared jittery.”

Transitive and intransitive verbs

Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not. In other words, it needs something or someone to receive the action. 

For example. “She baked a cake.” In this sentence, "baked" is the transitive verb because it transfers the action of baking to the direct object "cake." Without the direct object "cake," the sentence would be incomplete. 

Phrasal verbs 

Phrasal verbs are verb combinations with prepositions or adverbs that, when combined, forming a single meaning. They often have figurative or idiomatic interpretations, making them essential in everyday English.

For instance, "turn on"(to activate something like a light or a device), "put off" (to be deterred or discouraged) or "broke down" (to cease working or lose control emotionally). 

Helping verbs 

Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, work alongside main verbs to express tense, mood, or voice. They assist in conveying specific meanings.

For instance, instead of "She sings," you could say "She will sing" for future tense or "She might sing" to indicate possibility. 

Mastering different types of verbs and applying them correctly can enhance your creative writing efforts. Try to experiment with verbs and always remember to keep it simple.

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Categorized List of Action Verbs

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This categorized list contains only a few action verbs you can use to compose concise, persuasive , reader-centered resumes, cover letters, or other types of workplace documents. The examples are illustrations that overview the uses of action verbs in professional writing.

The media file above takes you to a sample resume containing action verbs.

Communication Skills

• Negotiated price reductions of up to 30% with key suppliers
• Interpreted financial information from the company's annual report
• Translated all relevant company information into three different languages

Other words: Advocated, Clarified, Corresponded, Encouraged, Interpreted, Negotiated, Persuaded, Presented, Publicized, Solicited, Spoke, Translated

Creative Skills

• Created an interior design layout for a 500 square foot retail venue
• Introduced a new method of navigating through the A Software Program
• Presented a new research project to the managers at the location

Other words: Acted, Applied, Composed, Created, Established, Founded, Improvised, Introduced, Navigated, Originated, Presented

Data / Financial Skills

• Computed and recorded inventory valuation on a monthly basis
• Documented inventory counts at the end of each working day
• Verified the amount owed to the creditor in the Accounts Payable account

Other words: Adjusted, Allocated, Budgeted, Compared, Computed, Counted, Documented, Estimated, Forecasted, Inventoried, Invested, Predicted, Projected, Quantified, Recorded, Retrieved, Verified

Helping Skills

• Assisted customers with choosing appropriate products
• Trained new employees in the plant through demonstration techniques
• Volunteered in the nursing home every weekend to serve the community

Other words: Aided, Assisted, Built, Demonstrated, Facilitated, Familiarized, Helped, Performed, Represented, Solved, Supported, Trained, Upheld, Volunteered, Worked

Management / Leadership Skills

• Administered a variety of surveys to collect data about the employees
• Implemented a safety communication program to promote safety awareness
• Recommended an alternative solution to one of the company's problems

Other words: Achieved, Administered, Assigned, Attained, Challenged, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Established, Executed, Handled, Headed, Implemented, Incorporated, Intervened, Launched, Led, Managed, Mediated, Motivated, Organized, Oversaw, Planned, Prioritized, Recommended, Scheduled, Supervised, United

Efficiency Skills

• Eliminated unnecessary cost of each unit of production
• Maximized profits by 15% during the month of July
• Heightened the level of employee moral through program incentives

Other words: Accelerated, Allocated, Boosted, Centralized, Downsized, Edited, Eliminated, Enhanced, Expanded, Expedited, Heightened, Lessened, Leveraged, Maximized, Merged, Optimized, Outlined, Outsourced, Prevented, Prioritized, Reorganized, Reduced, Revised, Simplified, Standardized, Stream-lined, Synthesized, Systematized, Upgraded

Research Skills

• Examined a new mechanism that may reduce sickness on the campus
• Identified a major defect in a microscopic organism last month
• Surveyed a group of Purdue students with regard to Product A

Other words: Analyzed, Collected, Compared, Controlled, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Gathered, Identified, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Reported, Replicated, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Surveyed, Wrote

Teaching Skills

• Defined a new product strategy and discussed how it would be implemented
• Instructed Department B on how to reduce inventory and raise net sales
• Prepared a tutorial manual for an English class last semester

Other words: Aided, Advised, Clarified, Communicated, Defined, Developed, Encouraged, Evaluated, Facilitated, Fostered, Guided, Helped, Incorporated, Informed, Initiated, Instructed, Lectured, Prepared, Supported, Supervised, Stimulated, Taught

Technical Skills

• Assembled an entire computer programming simulation for my CPT course
• Designed a new form of Widget C for a manufacturing facility
• Programmed three new computer programs tailored for a network system

Other words: Analyzed, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conducted, Designed, Devised, Engineered, Maintained, Operated, Programmed, Reengineered, Remodeled, Transmitted

Sources/References:

Rosalie Maggio, How to Say It, Webster's Thesaurus .

111 Powerful Emotional Verbs to Use in Your Writing and Speeches

Using emotional verbs in your writing can be a fun and creative way to express the emotions of your characters, or to add flair and drama to your writing. Emotional verbs are those that evoke strong feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and more.

By learning how to use these words effectively, you can make your writing stand out from the crowd and create powerful stories that will captivate readers.

To get started with using emotional verbs in your writing, begin by exploring some of the most commonly used ones. For example, try words like “scream” for expressing anger, “sob” for deep sorrow, and “chuckle” for amusement. These words can help emphasize certain scenes and bring them to life on the page. Additionally, it may be helpful to explore different synonyms for each emotion to give yourself options when crafting your sentences.

With practice and experimentation, you’ll soon develop your own style of using emotional verbs to create compelling stories!

What is an Emotional Verb?

An emotional verb is a type of verb that expresses emotion in the form of an action. This can be anything from anger, joy, sadness, fear, and more. For example, when someone says “I’m laughing,” they are using an emotional verb to express their happiness. Similarly, when someone says “I’m crying,” they are expressing sadness.

Emotional verbs can also be used creatively to express complex emotions. For instance, someone might say “I’m raging” to express intense anger or “I’m soaring” to capture feelings of elation. By combining these types of verbs with other words, it is possible to create vivid descriptions of how one feels. Emotional verbs can help people connect with others and make conversations more meaningful.

111 Powerful Emotional Verbs to Help Improve Your Writing

Abandon – To leave someone or something behind. Ex. “I felt abandoned when my family moved away.”

Abhor – To strongly dislike or detest. Ex. “She abhorred the idea of going to the party.”

Abide – To accept or tolerate a certain situation. Ex. “He had to abide by his parents’ rules.”

Ache – To feel a dull, continuous pain. Ex. “My heart ached when I heard the news.”

Agitate – To stir up strong emotions. Ex. “The speech agitated the crowd.”

Agonize – To suffer intense mental or physical pain. Ex. “She agonized over her decision.”

Alarm – To fill with fear or dread. Ex. “The loud noise alarmed the children.”

Anger – To fill with rage or resentment. Ex. “The injustice angered him.”

Appall – To shock or dismay. Ex. “The violence appalled the audience.”

Astonish – To amaze or surprise. Ex. “The performance astonished the crowd.”

Bemoan – To regret or lament. Ex. “He bemoaned his mistake.”

Berate – To scold or criticize harshly. Ex. “She berated her daughter for her bad behavior.”

Bliss – To experience extreme joy or delight. Ex. “She felt bliss when she saw her new puppy.”

Cheer – To be in a joyous mood; to applaud enthusiastically. Ex, “We cheered the team on after their win”

Chide – To scold or reprimand. Ex. “She chided her brother for his careless mistake.”

Clutch – To grasp tightly in a state of fear. Ex. “He clutched the railing when he saw the snake.”

Coddle – To treat someone with excessive care and kindness. Ex. “My mom always coddled me.”

Commiserate – To sympathize with someone in their suffering. Ex. “We commiserated over our failed attempts.”

Compassion – To feel compassion or pity for someone’s misfortune. Ex. “Her story filled me with compassion.”

Confide – To share secrets or personal information. Ex. “She confided in him about her struggles.”

Contrite – To be filled with feelings of guilt. Ex. “She was contrite after realizing her mistake.”

Courage – To have the strength to face fear or danger. Ex. “He had the courage to stand up for his beliefs.”

Craving – To long intensely for something. Ex. “She had a craving for chocolate ice cream.”

Despise – To strongly dislike or hold in contempt. Ex. “He despised his job.”

Distress – To cause mental or emotional suffering. Ex. “She was in distress after the accident.”

Enamored – To have a great fondness for someone or something. Ex. “The boy was enamored by the girl”

Enrage – To fill with uncontrollable anger. Ex. “Her lies enraged him.”

Epiphany – To have a sudden, profound realization. Ex. “She had an epiphany about her life choices.”

Fear – To be filled with terror or dread. Ex. “He feared for his safety in the dark alley.”

Forlorn – To feel sorrowful, desolate or abandoned. Ex. “She was forlorn after losing her job.”

Grieve – To experience deep sadness over the loss of someone or something. Ex. “I grieved for days after the death of my pet.”

Happiness – To feel joy and contentment. Ex. “Her success brought her much happiness.”

Horror – To fill with terror or dread. Ex. “The horror movie frightened the audience.”

Indifference – To feel unconcerned or disinterested. Ex. “She showed indifference to the situation.”

Jealousy – To feel resentment towards someone’s success, possessions or relationships. Ex. “He felt a pang of jealousy when he saw his friend’s new car.”

Longing – To desire intensely for something. Ex. “She had a longing to travel the world.”

Mourn – To grieve or express sorrow over a loss. Ex. “We mourned the passing of our beloved teacher.”

Panic – To feel extreme fear or terror. Ex. “The fire caused panic among the crowd.”

Patience – To endure a situation without becoming irritated. Ex. “He showed patience when waiting in line.”

Pride – To take pleasure or satisfaction in one’s achievements. Ex. “She felt pride after completing her project.”

Relief – To feel free from worry or distress. Ex. “Her relief was evident when she heard the news.”

Sadness – To experience a deep sense of sorrow. Ex. “Her sadness was evident in her voice.”

Satisfaction – To be pleased or content with something. Ex. “She took satisfaction in her accomplishment.”

Shame – To feel embarrassed or humiliated. Ex. “His mistake made him feel ashamed.”

Sympathy – To feel compassion or pity for someone’s misfortune. Ex. “We expressed our sympathy for his loss.”

Terror – To feel intense fear or dread. Ex. “The horror movie filled me with terror.”

Thrill – To experience intense excitement. Ex. “The roller coaster gave me a thrill.”

Uneasiness – To feel anxious and apprehensive. Ex. “The storm caused uneasiness among the crowd.”

Wonder – To feel curiosity, admiration or amazement. Ex. “We were filled with wonder at the sight of the pyramids.”

Or, perhaps even better, try this nifty little tool called Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions !

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Related posts, plutchik’s wheel of emotions: a handy little writing tool, transform your writing with this epic list of descriptive words, list of 85 sound words: exploring onomatopoeic words, leave a comment cancel reply.

150 Powerful Action Verbs for Your SMART Goals

Are you ready to supercharge your goal-setting strategy? This article is a treasure trove of 150 dynamic action verbs designed to energize your ambition and ignite your motivation.

From ascending the career ladder to shedding pounds, these powerful action verbs will transform your goals from vague aspirations into compelling missions you’re eager to accomplish.

It will empower you to select action verbs that resonate with your objectives, making your goals feel tangibly within reach and injecting a dose of excitement into your planning process.

Whether you’re a veteran goal-setter or a novice just embarking on your journey, strap yourself in. It’s finally time to turn those dreams into actionable, SMART realities.

Table of Contents

What Are Action Verbs?

Action verbs, as their name suggests, depict action. They are words that express physical or mental activity. In goal setting, these verbs are likely to convey goal-oriented actions effectively.

These elements are crucial for establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based) goals as they clearly define your objectives and outline the precise steps you intend to take to accomplish them.

For example, instead of vaguely stating, “I want to improve my health,” a SMART goal would utilize an action verb to specify the goal: “I will jog for 30 minutes every morning.”

Here, “jog” is the action verb that clearly outlines the action needed to achieve the target. Using powerful action verbs can make your goals more compelling and motivate you to reach them.

The Importance of Action Verbs in SMART Goals

Action verbs are the secret tools that give our dreams wheels. Consider the previous example: “I want to be healthier.” It’s a wish, a desire, but it lacks the specificity and dynamism needed to spur action.

Now infuse it with an action verb: “I’ll nail 20 pushups every afternoon.” Suddenly, this passive intention morphs into an active pursuit. You have a specific task to complete.

Action verbs act as the driving force that propels us forward. They provide clarity and focus, defining the steps we need to take to achieve our goals.

To put it simply, action verbs are not just words; they’re like success multipliers. When we use them, we’re not just dreaming anymore; we are setting the stage for real achievement. And that’s they are so important when creating SMART goals.

• Collaborate
• Communicate
• Demonstrate
• Investigate
• Participate
• Standardize

Tips for Writing Action Verbs in SMART Goals

When writing your SMART goals, it’s essential to consider which action verbs are most appropriate for conveying the desired outcome. Below are some tips to help you come up with excellent action verbs for your goals:

1. Make Sure the Verb is Clear

Ensure your action verb can be understood without any confusion. Clear action verbs eliminate ambiguity and provide a definite direction for your goal.

For instance, instead of saying, “I want to do better in my job,” go for “I aim to increase my monthly sales by 10%.” In this case, “increase” is an action verb with a specific path to follow.

Select a verb that precisely describes the action you intend to take. Verbs like “complete,” “develop,” “achieve,” “reduce,” and “improve” are all decisive action verbs that leave no room for misunderstanding. They give a clear idea of what action must be taken.

Realize that clarity in your action verb sets the tone for goal setting . It paves the way for effective planning, diligent execution, and the successful achievement of your goal.

2. Use Positive Language

Positive language propels us forward, infusing our goals with energy and intention. Rather than writing, “ Stop procrastinating on tasks,” a positively framed goal could be “Prioritize tasks efficiently every morning.”

The latter uses positive language and an action verb, “prioritize,” making the goal proactive and empowering.

Your choice of words can dramatically impact your mindset and motivation levels. Hence, taking advantage of positive language in your SMART goals fosters a productive, optimistic tone from the outset.

3. Don’t Overuse the Same Action Verbs

Using the same action verb multiple times in a goal may make it seem monotonous. To avoid this, try to diversify your goals with different action verbs.

Suppose you are looking to save money . The goal could be “I will reduce my monthly expenses by 10%.” Alternatively, you might use a different phrase like, “I’ll decrease my expenses by 10% every month.”

Combining action verbs of the same meaning but with different nuances and applications could add flavor to your goals and keep them interesting. This way, you boost your chances of sticking to them as they seem more attainable.

4. Create Relevant Action Verbs

When establishing SMART goals, using relevant action verbs is crucial. Relevant action verbs directly relate to the task or outcome you wish to accomplish.

So if your goal is to improve your fitness , relevant action verbs could include “run,” “lift,” swim,” or “cycle.” These verbs clearly convey what you need to do to reach success.

Selecting appropriate action verbs also adds specificity to your goals. Instead of stating, “I want to get fit,” a relevant action verb can transform this into “I will run three times a week.”

The action verbs you choose should align with both the nature of your goal and the steps needed to achieve it. Creating relevant action verbs will make your SMART goals more practical.

5. Leverage Power Words

Power words are persuasive; they spark emotive responses and spur decisive action. They’re the secret ingredients that make narratives and calls to action persuasive.

Imagine your SMART goals . Now infuse them with power words. Rather than simply “finishing” a project, why not “conquer” it? Instead of “losing” weight, why not “obliterate” pounds? These slight tweaks in language may massively impact your outlook and determination.

Power words should be laser-focused, communicating what you strive to achieve. “Amplify,” “elevate,” and “escalate” are dynamic substitutes for generic verbs like “improve” or “increase.”

Bear in mind the purpose of SMART goals extends beyond setting benchmarks; it’s about sparking action. Harnessing the might of power words will inject your goals with dynamism and zeal, making them irresistibly compelling.

Final Thoughts

Remember that goals are more than just checkpoints on your journey to success. They are your roadmap, guiding you toward your desired destination.

Armed with this comprehensive list of 150 dynamic action verbs, you’re now equipped to transform your dreams into robust, concrete SMART goals. But don’t stop there. Keep exploring, refining, and pushing forward.

Your goals are not static—they should evolve as you do, becoming more precise, targeted, and aligned with your aspirations. So dare to “master a new skill” and strive to “build a happy family.”

Give your goals the power and precision they deserve by harnessing the might of these action verbs. Your road to attaining SMART goals is just beginning. With the right words and mindset, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

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150+ Synonyms For Creative Writing

Synonyms for creative writing.

When it comes to crafting stories , the term “creative writing ” often takes center stage. But the world of spinning tales is vast and multifaceted, bursting with synonyms that capture the specific essence of different writing styles.

List of Synonyms For Creative Writing

Here is the list of 150+ creative writing words along with their synonyms and meanings:

Ultimately, the best synonym for your writing depends on your specific style and goals. Do you seek to explore the complexities of the human condition with literary fiction, or craft a heart-pounding thriller? Embrace the possibilities!

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Boost your Resume with these action words: Examples Included

Action words are dynamic phrases that can elevate your resume and capture the attention of recruiters. Using these powerful terms demonstrates your passion and commitment to the role, significantly enhancing your likelihood of landing the job. 

Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming through a resume. They may overlook resumes with too many words and phrases that people often use. You can make your resume stand out by using action words instead.

We'll explain how you can use action words to add impact to your resume and make it more effective. The topics we'll cover include:

• Difference between active voice and passive voice
• Why use action words in your resume
• Why avoid passive language
• How to use action words in your resume
• Examples of using active voice
• Top action words for a more impactful resume

Difference between active voice and passive voice  

You can use active or passive voice to convey a particular idea. The meaning stays the same, but the structure and viewpoint are different. In the active voice, the subject in a sentence performs an action that affects the object. Here's an example of an active sentence:

I created a resume.

In contrast, the passive voice focuses on the object and how the subject acts upon it. In the passive voice, the above active sentence becomes:

The resume was created by me.

As you can see, the first example is shorter and has more impact than the second. These are the traits hiring managers look for in a resume. Most job seekers unknowingly write their resumes in the passive voice.

It's common for resumes to include passive phrases such as “was responsible for” and “was managed by”. These phrases appear on nearly every first draft but shouldn't be in your final document. They can make your resume vague, boring, and forgettable.

Why use action words in your resume  

Action words are also known as power words. Concise communication is highly valued here in our country, and using the active voice in your resume can set you apart from other candidates. They highlight your technical skills, work experience, and achievements clearly and efficiently. They can also portray you as confident and competent. Let's find out why you should use action words for resume writing.

Capture the reader's attention

Using strong action verbs for CV or resume writing can effectively capture a hiring manager's interest. These words encourage them to read on and learn more about your experiences and abilities.

Powerful resume words can also change the way your prospective employer perceives you. You may have the upper hand if another qualified job seeker applies for the same position. Your action-oriented verbs may be more engaging and convincing than a competitor's passive words.

Strengthen your resume

When you use powerful words for a job application, you show the hiring manager that you can be persuasive. That's something employers look for, especially at the executive level.

Active language changes and improves your writing, showing that you're a job seeker with strong communication skills. As you list your abilities and achievements, your action verbs can make the hiring manager feel like they know you on a deeper level. This can help you build rapport and excite them about the prospect of you joining the company. Instead of telling them directly that you're the right person for the role, you let them see it for themselves.

Share your story in a unique way

When you use action-packed words in your resume, you can describe your work experience and professional development more effectively. Backing your words with facts can help convince the hiring manager you have what it takes to perform well in the role. Your resume may be more interesting and impressive without other applicants' bland words and phrases. It also gives readers a real-world insight into your accomplishments. This can increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

Why avoid passive language  

Career experts at Harvard University say that using passive language is one of the biggest resume mistakes . It dulls your resume and increases its chances of going unnoticed. 

Besides, career experts in Singapore agree that passive language dilutes the impact of your resume, making it less engaging in a vibrant job market

Here are a few reasons why you should avoid using passive words when writing your resume:

They make your resume less interesting

Most hiring managers only look at a resume briefly before deciding whether to keep reading it or move on to the next one. People overuse passive words and phrases, so employers and recruiters skip over them. Even if you're perfect for the job, they may not realise it because your resume doesn't show them. If you want to avoid your resume ending up in the rejection pile, use active rather than passive language.

They're overused and unclear

Passive words are generic and may not describe your specific accomplishments. An example of these terms includes "was managed by". Such commonplace terms don't show a hiring manager what you've achieved, what you're capable of, or what you can contribute to the company.

Note that what you regard as a success may differ from another person. Try to be more specific about your accomplishments by mentioning your results. This gives anyone who reads your resume a more accurate and descriptive picture of your successes. Action words can help you communicate your message and prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

They dilute the quality of your writing

Passive language can undermine the quality of your resume. It tells the hiring manager that your communication and writing skills may not be up to par. It can also make them think you didn't make the necessary effort to create a great resume. In contrast, a resume in the active voice is more interesting and shows that you have strong communication skills.

How to use action words in your resume  

When you use action-oriented and dynamic verbs for resume writing, place them strategically throughout your resume. The best places to use these words include your list of accomplishments, professional summary, and bullet points. However, learning to use impactful resume action words correctly is the most important thing. Here's how:

Show, don't tell

A few years of work experience doesn't always matter to a hiring manager unless you have something to show. Others may have similar experience, such as managing teams, contributing to a company's profits, and climbing the ladder to reach a higher position. For this reason, it may not be a good idea to focus your resume on your job duties and shared tasks. Instead, highlight the unique strengths and accomplishments that your potential employer may find attractive.

When you list your achievements and abilities on your resume, back them up with exact numbers. This gives the hiring manager clear and convincing information on how you can add value to the company. For instance, merely stating that you're a profit-generating machine may not set you apart from other job seekers. A better way to showcase your abilities is to say that your team increased profit margins by 40% over the last six months. Providing numbers, statistics, and other facts can help make your case more convincing.

Create a list of your greatest achievements related to the role you're applying for. Back up each accomplishment with actual numbers to show your prospective employer what you can bring to the company.

Identify and replace overused phrases

Rewriting your resume in the active voice isn't as simple as changing all the passive words to action-oriented verbs. You may have to restructure or rewrite entire sentences. Remember the earlier example where we replaced “the resume was created by me” with “I created a resume”? That's how you should do it.

Review your resume line by line to look for overused phrases and passive language. Next, consider turning them into powerful words that engage and compel readers. This is an opportunity to improve your delivery and remove words and phrases that may harm your chances of landing your desired job.

To make the task easier and more efficient, print out your current resume before making any changes. Then, highlight all the passive verbs and phrases in your list of accomplishments, bullet points, and professional summary. Rewrite or restructure those phrases in the active voice.

Determine the right action verbs to use

You shouldn't only choose action verbs that will improve your resume. It's important to replace the passive language with words or phrases relevant to the position and the industry. To do this, search job descriptions to pick action words and keywords that stand out. This can give you a better idea of the type of language and terms the employer expects job applicants to use.

Take note of the positioning words. For instance, a job description may say the company seeks people who collaborate instead of compete. In this case, you may approach your resume writing from a different angle.

Once you've identified the appropriate terms and phrases, you can tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Start by creating a list of the keywords and phrases you found in the job description. Prioritise them as they relate to your work experience. Then, use the most appropriate ones to replace the passive words and phrases on your current resume. Sprinkle them naturally throughout the sections.

Use industry-specific action words

Every industry has its language and slang. When you apply for a job, your potential employer expects you to know the industry terminology. Using action words specific to your field of work is a great way to show your expertise and industry knowledge. It also helps you connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level. Examples of industry-specific action verbs include "diagnosed" and "administered" for healthcare, "invested" and "budgeted" for finance, and "programmed" and "coded" for technology.

Examples of using active voice  

The following examples can show you how to upgrade your resume by replacing overused language with bolder and more impressive phrases:

• Current phrase: Leader of a team of nine employees. ⁠ New phrase: Guided a team of nine employees towards company goals, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.
• Current phrase: Used data to identify underlying issues. ⁠ New phrase: Deciphered data patterns to solve underlying issues.
• Current phrase: Helped the company adopt new technology. ⁠ New phrase: Championed the adoption of new technology at the company, leading to improved efficiency.
• Current phrase: Strong communicator and detail-oriented. ⁠ New phrase: Facilitated internal communications and ensured high-quality work products.
• Current phrase: Responsible for generating higher sales revenue. ⁠ New phrase: Increased sales revenue by 40% over two years.

Top action words for a more impactful resume  

Rewriting your resume using active verbs isn't about cramming in as many power words as possible or picking the ones you think sound the best. Instead, choose action words that strengthen your specific work experience and accomplishments. Also, make sure they relate to the position you're applying for. Here's a list of action-oriented words that you can use to replace verbs commonly found in resumes:

Replacing “managed”

Use these active verbs to explain how you led a department, division, or project:

• coordinated
• synchronised

Replacing “created”

The following words can help you describe how you made an idea or plan happen:

• choreographed
• implemented
• spearheaded

Replacing “developed”

These words can explain how you contributed to the growth of a project, department, or vision:

Replacing “saved”

Use the terms below if you helped a company save time, money, or resources:

• consolidated
• strengthened

Replacing “increased”

Stick to these action verbs if you helped to improve sales, operations, efficiency, or customer satisfaction:

• accelerated
• capitalised
• stimulated 

Replacing “changed”

The terms below are appropriate for describing improvements you made in the past:

• streamlined
• transformed

Replacing “acquired”

Use these words to emphasise your ability to bring new ideas, projects, technologies, or clients to an organisation:

• collaborated

Replacing “assisted”

These verbs can describe how you helped team members, colleagues, and customers:

Replacing “examined”

The following words are effective in highlighting your research and analytical skills :

• investigated

Replacing “communicated”

These words can describe a time when you wrote about, spoke for, or promoted a positive change:

• illustrated

Replacing “achieved”

Use these verbs to explain how you achieved a major milestone or reached a goal:

• demonstrated
• outperformed
• transcended

Conclusion  

In the fast-paced Singapore job market, using the right action words can be the key to getting your resume noticed and securing your next career opportunity. Research the company carefully, look for keywords and phrases in the job description, and choose the right action verbs to add to your resume. The extra effort may be well worth it to improve your chances of landing the desired job.

Using dynamic action verbs in your resume has become increasingly important in recruitment. More and more Singapore companies are using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to find suitable job applicants. Resumes that contain power words and keywords that match the job description are more likely to get past the ATS. Even if the hiring manager reviews resumes manually, an action-oriented resume may have a better chance of getting noticed than one written in the passive voice. It may also help you stand out in the Singaporean job market . 

Here are some frequently asked questions about action words for resume writing:

• What are some strong action words to use in a resume? Some examples of strong action words you can use in your resume include coordinated, guided, consolidated, amplified, implemented, strengthened, maximised, streamlined, and surpassed. ⁠
• How do action words improve the effectiveness of a resume? Action verbs can make a resume more effective in many ways. First, they set your resume apart from those with passive and overused words from other job seekers. This can help you capture the hiring manager's attention and pass an ATS scan. A resume in active language is also more concise, confident, and engaging. It shows the hiring manager that you have good communication skills . ⁠
• Can you provide examples of action words for specific skills? The following are some examples of action words that are appropriate for highlighting different types of skills: Communication skills persuaded critiqued documented reviewed marketed Leadership skills guided headed mentored oversaw inspired Research or analytical skills assessed forecasted investigated discovered analysed Creative skills crafted devised chartered pioneered spearheaded ⁠
• Should I use the same action words for every job I apply to? You shouldn't use the same action words for every job application. Instead, choose action verbs that match the job description. This differs from one job listing to another. Tailoring your resume to a specific job description increases your chances of getting through the ATS. It also shows the hiring manager that you're ready to go the extra mile to secure the job. ⁠
• Are there action words to avoid in resume writing? Not all resume action verbs are beneficial to your job application. Avoid using a power word irrelevant to your work experience, the industry, and the position you're applying for. ⁠
• How many action words should I use? Action words can spice up your resume. However, this doesn't mean you should stuff your resume with as many action verbs as possible. Kickresume.com recommends using about 20 action words in your resume . Insert these words naturally in your list of achievements, professional summary, and bullet points. ⁠
• Do action words make a significant difference in getting a job? Yes, they do. On average, resumes have only six seconds to impress hiring managers. Hiring managers often overlook resumes in the passive voice. This is because they contain overused and cliché terms and phrases that make them boring to read. Using action-driven language in your resume may make you more likely to catch the hiring manager's attention as it gives you a better chance of progressing to the next stage of the hiring process. ⁠
• Are there action words that are more effective in certain industries? Yes, action words are most effective when relevant to your field of work. Below are action-verb examples for several different industries: Technology programmed  coded deployed developed designed Healthcare treated diagnosed administered monitored facilitated Education taught mentored researched assessed organised Financial budgeted forecasted audited invested negotiated Retail upsold marketed replenished demonstrated priced

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