#verbs

[love-me-a-good-prompt]

50 WORDS TO USE INSTEAD OF “SAID”

Do you ever find yourself over-using the word “said” in your writing? Try using these words/phrases instead:

stated

commented

declared

spoke

responded

voiced

noted

uttered

iterated

explained

remarked

acknowledged

mentioned

announced

shouted

expressed

articulated

exclaimed

proclaimed

whispered

babbled

observed

deadpanned

joked

hinted

informed

coaxed

offered

cried

affirmed

vocalized

laughed

ordered

suggested

admitted

verbalized

indicated

confirmed

apologized

muttered

proposed

chatted

lied

rambled

talked

pointed out

blurted out

chimed in

brought up

wondered aloud

(NOTE: Keep in mind that all of these words have slightly different meanings and are associated with different emotions/scenarios.)

[mjgauthor]

Writing advice that changed my sentence

When I was a young writer, I was told that I often started my sentences with "there is/there was/there are." I was told to eliminate those as much as possible.

I couldn't believe how often I used them. My first novel was completely littered with them.

I learned to diversify and grow my use of verbs. Instead of the state-of-being verbs, like "is" which isn't very descriptive at all, I started using stronger verbs.

Instead of writing "There were a bunch of trees on the hill" I wrote "A cluster of trees towered over the hill."

"Towered" is a much stronger verb than "Is"

Use the state-of-being words, but if you can, try replacing them with more active verbs. You might be surprised how much your writing improves.

[lyralit]

switch up your verbs (part one) ~

walked - hiked - moved - shuffled - toddled - sauntered - ambled - tiptoed - meandered - strolled

laughed - chortled - chuckled - giggled - snorted - guffawed - howled - snickered - shrieked

wanted - ached for - wished - craved - coveted - fancied - pined - aspired

ran - sprinted - galloped - scampered - bolted - trotted - dashed - raced - jogged

jumped - bounced - hopped - leapt - hurtled - vaulted - barged - bounded

[prokopetz]

Back-forming verbs from surnames based on obsolete professions is always fun. Like, the surname "Shrudler" is ultimately derived from the Middle English shriden, "to ornament or decorate (clothing)", which implies that if the term hadn't fallen out of use, the modern word for making clothing fancy would be "to shrudle". I enjoy that very much.

[agnesdelmotte]

richard serra

list of verbs for making art

[skirting-board-iix]

10 Verbal Nouns in Irish that I very much enjoy

Ag Smúrthacht - prowling, slinking around the place

Ag Airneán - staying up late into the night

Ag Plobarnach - gurgling (of water or porridge)

Ag Santú - ‘greeding’ for something (((also to desire seggsually)))

Ag Slaparnach - trudging around/through shallow water/mud

Ag Spréacharnach - glittering

Ag Rógaireacht - swindling or otherwise engaging in divilment

Ag Pleidhcíocht - fooling around, messin’

Ag Goilliúint - wounding emotionally

Ag Meabhrú - brooding or pondering

warning: 🚨not caighdeán approved🚨 (also these are rough estimations of meanings and there are 100% other verbs which cover these same things please dont break my tibia)

[senchastudying]

I learned it's easier to learn verbs in their ない form first, vs. their dictionary form first. Makes recognizing the difference between Godan and Ichidan verbs 100% easier and removes the need to "remember" the "hidden/fake/lying" verbs that parade as the other verb type. The trick to doing it is far easier and I hate how Genki teaches it in the book. Leaving me with only having to learn the conjugation patterns for Ichidan, Godan, and Irregular verbs. Far, far easier.

[word-for-today]

Word for today: droplifting

The act of sneaking things into a store so they look like they’re on sale, typically as an artistic statement or joke, such as the work of Obvious Plant

I’m SO glad to find out there’s a word for this

[slavic-roots-western-mind]

The 然's

突然，虽然，忽然. and the other 然's can often get mixed up, so here's a quick explanation of some of the most common ones!

突然 (Túrán): This means suddenly or unexpectedly

居然 (Jūrán): This kind of means suddenly, but more in the sense of "surprisingly" or to suggest disbelief at something that happened.

忽然 (Hūrán): This also means suddenly or unexpectedly, but it has a more stronger connotation.

既然 (Jìrán): This is a conjunction meaning "since" or "now that"

既然the weather is great, let's go out!

既然 you aren't busy, let's go watch a movie.

不然 (Bùrán): This means "otherwise" or "or else";

You should study, 不然 you won't do well on the exam.

虽然 (Suīrán): This means although or even though.

虽然 I'm not good at singing, I still like to go to the karaoke.

当然 (Dāngrán): 当然 means certainly or definitely and can be used as a reply:

Can you help me with A? 当然!

自然 (Zìrán): This can mean nature or naturally.

China's 自然 is very beautiful.

She speaks Chinese 得很自然.

仍然 (Réngrán): This can mean "still" or "yet".

I仍然 haven't read that book.

依然 (Yīrán): Similar to 仍然, this also means still" or "yet" but it's usually used in more formal and literary works, whereas 仍然 is more often used in spoken language.

果然 (Guǒrán): 果然 can be used to mean "indeed" or "as expected"

This movie is 果然 interesting.

竟然 (Jìngrán): This is an adverb used to suggest surprise or something unexpected.

He竟然forgot her birthday.

显然 (Xiǎnrán): This means "clearly" or "obviously".

This soup 显然 hot.

偶然 (Ǒurán): This means "accidentally" or "by chance".

We 偶然 met at the same cafe.

How many other 然's do you know about? Drop a comment!

[phlebasthebroenician]

[slayingfiction]

Vibrant Alternatives for Movement Verbs

Writing a novel involves more than just crafting a compelling story. The language you use plays a critical role in engaging your reader and enriching your narrative. A common pitfall for many writers is the repetitive use of verbs like “go” or “went.” To help you diversify your vocabulary and add depth to your writing, here are some dynamic alternatives:

Travel

Perfect for describing journeys, whether they are short trips or long voyages. It adds a sense of adventure to your narrative.

Move

This versatile verb can be used for physical movement from one location to another, adding a general sense of action.

Proceed

Ideal for continuing action in a story, especially when moving towards a specific aim or along a set path.

Advance

Use this when you want to evoke progress or forward movement, adding a dynamic layer to your storytelling.

Specific Movements: Walk, Run, Jog, Dash

Each of these offers a clear picture of the speed and style of movement, allowing you to create more vivid scenes.

Modes of Transport: Drive, Ride, Fly, Sail

When characters use vehicles or animals to move, these verbs can specify the mode of transportation, enhancing clarity and immersion.

Depart

This implies leaving a place with purpose, which can be particularly useful in scenes of separation or transition.

Head

A casual yet descriptive way to indicate direction, often used in spoken language within dialogues.

Journey

For a grander scale of travel, “journey” implies a significant undertaking, enriching the narrative with a sense of scale and importance.

Wander

To wander is to move without a fixed path. It’s great for scenes where characters are exploring or lost.

Migrate

Useful in stories involving large-scale movements or seasonal changes, especially in historical or environmental contexts.

Meander

When you want to describe a leisurely or aimless path, “meander” evokes a gentle, wandering pace.

Trek

This suggests a challenging and lengthy travel, often on foot, perfect for adventure or survival stories.

Roam

To roam means to move freely, ideal for characters that are free-spirited or in expansive settings.

Leisurely Paces: Stroll, Saunter, Amble, Perambulate

Each of these terms paints a picture of a calm, relaxed walk, adding a poetic touch to your scenes.

Using these verbs can transform your narrative from mundane to vivid, providing your readers with a clearer image of your characters’ actions and settings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these alternatives to find the perfect fit for your story’s tone and pace.

Happy Writing!

For more fun content, visit our Slaying Fiction website!

[piensoenversos]

Repite conmigo...

[abitirish]

Here is a sign on a motorway in Ireland, I’m guessing somewhere near Kilcullen. It says Maraíonn Tuirse [mar-EE-in TIRR-sheh], which does indeed mean “tirednes kills” but there’s a problem. 

The English verb “to kill” can be transitive or intransitive. “Transitive” means that it takes an object. It’s a fancy term for a verb that has to do something to something else. 

“John killed Paul”: the killing is happening to Paul, and therefore the verb is transitive.  

“John killed every night”: the killing is sort of left hanging in the air. Either he is massacring people indiscriminately or he is absolutely smashing his residency at the comedy club. The verb is intransitive. 

Maraíonn is the the third-person present tense of the verb maraigh [MAR-igg]. It means “to kill” and it is a transitive verb. It takes an object. It has to do something to something else.

On the sign it’s just sort of left hanging there so when you’re zooming down the motorway, your first response is “kills what?”

[sayitalianolearns]

Diary entry 383 ho visto questo esercizio sui verbi e m'è piaciuto per cui voglio provare con un multilingual post (anche perché i verbi in spagnolo: non pervenuti per me -ma pure in francese ormai... dispersi) ENG - ITA - KOR - FRA - ESP

verb: to eat, mangiare, 먹다, manger, comer

I eat Io mangio 저는 먹어요 Je mange Yo como

I ate Io ho mangiato/mangiai 저는 먹었어요 J'ai mangé/mangeai Yo he comido/comí

I will eat/I am going to eat Io mangerò/sto per mangiare 저는 먹을 거예요 Je mangerai/vais manger Yo comeré/voy a comer

I am eating Io sto mangiando 저는 먹고 있어요 Je suis en train de manger Yo estoy comiendo

I was eating Io stavo mangiando 저는 먹고 있었어요 J'étais en train de manger Yo estaba comiendo

I want to eat Io voglio mangiare 저는 먹고 싶어요 Je veux manger Yo quiero comer

I can eat Io posso mangiare 저는 먹을 수 있어요 Je peux manger Yo puedo comer

I have to eat Io devo mangiare 저는 먹어야 해요 Je dois manger Yo tengo que comer

[emilywrites185]

10 Additional Words to Love

Here are ten more words I found to be helpful. May they help or inspire you on your writing adventures!

Abase (Verb)- To lower in esteem, degrade, to humble. To behave in a way that belittles or degrades someone or yourself.

Brazen (Adj)- Bold and without shame. Made of brass.

Chasten (Verb)- To have a restraining or moderating effect on.

Demure (Adj)- Sober or serious in manner. Reserved.

Flair (Noun)- A special or instinctive aptitude or ability for doing something well. Stylish and originality.

Harangue (Noun)- A lengthy and aggressive speech. (Verb)- To lecture someone in an aggressive and critical manner.

Lissome (Adj)- Thin, supple, graceful.

Morass (Noun)- An area of muddy or boggy ground. A complicated or confusion situation.

Opaque (Adj)- Not able to be seen through; not clear or lucid; dense, stupid.

Wily (Adj)- Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially through deceit. Sly, cunning

[petrichoremojis]

IDs in alt!

Symbols for 'struggle', 'can't', and then the phrase 'I can't do stairs'! The intention with the symbol for 'can't' is that it can be edited to depict things on the square, making it easy to edit into symbols for phrases, like the stairs one here!