The Power of the Verb: How to Make Your Writing More Dynamic

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round, because today we're going to dive into the thrilling world of...

wait for it... verbs! I know, I know, you're on the edge of your seat, but try to contain your excitement.

You might just learn how to make your writing more dynamic, engaging, and so awe-inspiring,

​readers won't be able to put your book down.

Verb Tenses

Now, let's start by discussing verb tense.
​
I mean, who doesn't love discussing the past, present, and future? It's like a high school reunion, but

for your verbs. Your verb tense sets the stage for your story, determining whether your readers feel

like they're right there in the action or listening to grandpa's tale about walking uphill both ways in

the snow.

Are you writing about something that happened back when bell-bottoms were in style? Use the past

tense! Need to describe a present situation, like the feeling of sweet relief when the barista finally calls

your name for that triple-shot espresso? Present tense is your ticket. And if you want to transport your

reader to a utopian future where automated robots have taken over proofreading (gasp!), the future

​tense will be your trusty companion.

The age-old battle between active and passive voice. 

Now, let's tackle the age-old battle between active and passive voice. 

In one corner, we have the active voice – the Chuck Norris of sentence construction, kicking butt and

taking names with its direct, forceful action. 
The passive voice, on the other hand, sits in the shadows, quietly weaving its web of ambiguity like a

sneaky spider. 
But you know what? Even the passive voice has its place in the world, just like a well-timed dad joke

at the dinner table. The key is knowing when to unleash the action hero or employ the subtle

saboteur.
For example, let's say you're writing a gripping thriller. Which sentence hits you harder: "The spy

chased the villain through the streets" or "The villain was chased through the streets by the spy"? If

you picked the first one, congratulations! You've just experienced the adrenaline rush of the active

voice. 

If you're ever doing self-editing and unsure if you're using active or passive voice, you can just apply

​the zombie test below to figure it out quickly! ⏬

Verb Tips

Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into some verb-boosting tips and tricks that will turn your writing into a literary fireworks display.

1. Choose vibrant, specific verbs. Instead of writing "She walked to the store," try "She strolled" or "She sauntered" – those verbs have more personality than a Muppet on Broadway.
   
2. Avoid "to be" verbs when possible. Instead of "The cat was sitting on the fence," try "The cat perched on the fence." It's more engaging, and it paints a clearer picture – plus, it's one less chance for the grammar police to nab you.
   
3. Use strong verbs to replace adverbs. Instead of "He ran quickly," write "He sprinted." This advice comes straight from Stephen King, who says, "The adverb is not your friend." And trust me, when the master of horror tells you something isn't your friend, you better believe it.
   
   Example number 2, with its passive construction, would be more at home in a bureaucratic
   
   memo. Remember, friends don't let friends write passive sentences in action scenes.
   
   In conclusion, my fellow wordsmiths, verbs are the engines that power your writing, taking your
   
   reader on a high-octane adventure through time and space. Don't skimp on these mighty
   
   warriors of language; instead, wield them like the grammatical Excalibur they are, and watch
   
   your prose sparkle like a disco ball on a Saturday night. So, go forth and conquer, armed with the
   
   ​dynamic power of verbs!