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Foundation

Choose a more exact verb

Whenan action feels blurry

Find an action carried by a vague verb and extra explanation. Try a more exact verb: “She went slowly across the ice” becomes “She edged across the ice.” Keep it only if it matches what happened and the voice of the piece.

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Try one alternative verb.

Evidence grade CPractitioner method or editorial idea

Roy Peter Clark (2002), If I Were a Carpenter, Poynter. Read the source ↗ Practitioner guidance on concrete detail, strong verbs and end emphasis; choices depend on context. Parent inspected 2026-10-22. Examples and duration editorial.

Foundation: The load-bearing practices you return to. Build the base and keep it in play.

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Keep your practice in sight.

Library cards are free to read and print. Choose the ones you’ll use, put them where their cues happen, and keep returning to the practice. Our boxed collections are separate printed editions.

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