(source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/110619734567164356/)

 

For those who study and teach English as a second or foreign language, the sheer number of English verbs (not to mention the complex rules of tense and aspect) can be daunting. How will we ever learn them all?

For those who create and write using English words as a medium, the magnificent number of English verbs can be equally overwhelming. How will we ever use them all?

Part of what increases this language’s population density is the presence of both single-word verbs and phrasal verbs (verb phrases that are generally made up of – and defined through – a combination of a verb and a preposition).

An example of the difference between the two is this: to capitulate means to surrender, wave a white flag, or admit defeat. A phrasal verb with the same meaning would be to give up.

The modern conventions of writing, especially in the world of fiction, may drive a person crazy with the need to kowtow to tight word count limits and always choose a more active or dramatic verb over a less colorful one for fear that we might tell the reader something instead of showing it.

But I would like to argue that the verbs we choose (especially in our written communication) should not be chosen based solely on such factors. Rather, they should be chosen on a case by case basis, according to their basic meaning, their meaning in a given context, tone and register of the genre or audience preference, their weight or feel in a sentence, and the rhythm or texture they add to the piece as a whole.

To return to the first example, observe (or check out) these sentences:

It sounds much more noble for the king of the land to say, “I shall never capitulate, never give my self and my kingdom over to that fiend!” And it sounds much more realistic for the teen punk to yell at his brother while they are wrestling, “Come on…man! I don’t…want to…hurt you. Give up already!” Imagine how odd it might sound if we exchanged those two words in these cases.

To get your creative juices flowing, here is a list of ten more great verbs and their possible phrasal verb equivalents.

• Circumvent –> Get around
• Distribute –> Give out
• Investigate –> Find out
• Establish –> Set up
• Announce –> Talk about
• Display –> Show off
• Divide –> Divvy up
• Convert –> Change over
• Involve –> Draw in
• Cooperate –> Join with

I encourage you to add to the list in the comments section and also in your own writing notes. And the next time you’re working on a piece, don’t stress over adding an extra word to your count here or there if it means communicating your meaning and feeling more adequately.