Day 51: Replace ponderous verb phrases with action verbs.

Yesterday’s tip said to replace weak verbs with action verbs. This is also true with ponderous verb phrases.

First, some definitions in practical, non-technical, terms:

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  1. Ponderous means awkward, unnecessarily complicated, lacking grace, and dull.
  2. A verb phrase is a set of words that begins with a verb and describes a single action (e.g., “John ran as fast as possible towards the door” contains the verb phrase “ran as fast as possible,” which describes a single action).
  3. Action verbs represent an action that can be viewed or performed.

 

 

 

 

Consider this sentence.

“The company conducted a full-scale reorganization during the 1990s.”

The ponderous verb phrase in this sentence is “conducted a full-scale reorganization.” We can replace it with the single action verb “reorganized.” Now, we can revise the sentence as follows.

“The company completely reorganized during the 1990s.”

Here’s a slightly more complicated example:

“The governor used the power of his office to fill the vacant senatorial seat with the lieutenant governor.”

The ponderous verb phrase is “used the power of his office.” We can replace it with the single action verb “appointed.” Then, we can revise the sentence as follows.

“The governor appointed the lieutenant governor to fill the vacant senatorial seat.”

The meanings haven’t changed, and the sentences are easier to understand, more concise, and more engaging.