Consider using a stronger word.
by Andy Scheer
I just discovered a useful infographic for writers not willing to follow Mark Twain’s advice concerning the use of the word very: to replace it with a curse word so “your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”
Posted on GrammarCheck.net, the infographic by Jennifer Frost, “5 Weak Words to Avoid & What to Use Instead,” offers 45 alternatives to the use of very.
Instead of writing “very afraid,” Frost suggests terrified.
Instead of “very angry,” she suggests furious.
Instead of “very bad,” atrocious.
Check out all 45 and use as appropriate.
Then, instead of being very thin and tired, your prose may very quickly grow blossom into something substantial and lively.
