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TOPIC: Using Precise, Active Verbs

Using Precise, Active Verbs #579

  • Dr_English
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  • "Resident Business English Expert"
Hi

Strengthen word choice at the word and sentence level by adding precise verbs. Avoid non-specific verbs and the overuse of is, are, was, were, I or we. Always look for verbs that are masked as nouns. Convert the noun back to a verb by using its root and rewrite the sentence.

Example:
John Smith will contact you at 11.30 p.m.

Revised:
John smith will send you an e-mail at 11.30 p.m.

Revised:
John Smith will visit you at 11.30 p.m.

Example:
We must consider this problem.

Revised:
We must resolve this problem.

Example:
The report is a summary of previous research on drinking.

Revised:
The report summarises research on drinking.

Example::
The copy editor made an improvement to the draft.

Revised
The copy editor improved the draft.

Example:
John is responsible for the distribution of the daily marketing report.

Revised:
John distributes the daily marketing report.

Example:
Improvement of the invoicing system will be performed by Jane Smith.

Revised:
Jane Smith will improve the invoicing system.

Example:
Candidate interviewing and employment is done by Human Resources.

Revised:
Human Resources interviews and employs all candidates.

Example:
All credit card approval is done by Jane Smith.

Revised:
Jane Smith approves credit cards.
Dr English
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