Strong Verbs
Weak verbs like "went," "said," and "got" are invisible on the page. Strong verbs create vivid images, convey emotion, and show markers you have sophisticated vocabulary control.
The One-Word Upgrade
Same sentence, completely different impact:
"She went to the door."
"She dashed to the door."
What Are Strong Verbs?
Weak verbs are generic words that tell us an action happened but don't paint a picture: went, said, got, looked, was.
Strong verbs are specific words that show how an action happened: dashed, bellowed, seized, squinted, blazed.
The Adverb Test
If you need an adverb to explain how something was done, your verb is too weak. "He said loudly" needs the adverb because "said" is vague. "He bellowed" doesn't need help—the verb does the work.
The "Watch List" - Verbs to Replace
Train yourself to spot these weak verbs in your writing and swap them for stronger alternatives.
| Weak Verb | Try Instead |
|---|---|
| went | walked, ran, dashed, crept, stormed, shuffled, trudged |
| said | whispered, shouted, muttered, declared, snapped, pleaded |
| looked | glared, peered, squinted, studied, scanned, gazed |
| got | grabbed, seized, earned, became, received, obtained |
| was/were + ing | Use single strong verb: "was running" → "sprinted" |
Before & After Examples
See how replacing one weak verb transforms the entire sentence.
"She went to the door."
"She dashed to the door."
Why NSW Markers Notice This
Language Score
Strong verbs directly boost your Language & Vocabulary score. They demonstrate word choice sophistication and show you're not relying on basic vocabulary.
Sentence Variety
Strong verbs often eliminate the need for adverbs, making sentences tighter. "He walked slowly" becomes "He trudged"—fewer words, more impact.
The 5-Verb Check
Before submitting, scan your writing for these five words: went, said, got, looked, was. Each one you replace with a stronger alternative is a small score boost.
Try It Yourself
Replace the weak verb with something more vivid and specific.
"The wind moved through the trees."
Build Your Verb Bank
Strong writers have a mental "bank" of vivid verbs ready to use. Here's how to build yours:
1. Read Like a Writer
When reading books, notice verbs that create vivid pictures. Keep a list in a notebook or phone. Great authors are verb masters.
2. Use a Thesaurus Wisely
Look up weak verbs and find alternatives—but only use words you understand. A misused fancy word is worse than a simple correct one.
3. Practice Daily
Take one sentence each day and rewrite it with a stronger verb. This builds the habit so it becomes automatic during exams.
Practice Strong Verbs in the Writing Gym
Our Writing Gym has dozens of exercises specifically designed to build your strong verb instincts. Get instant AI feedback on every attempt.