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WRITING TIPS: Choose active, precise verbs

Janice L. Hewitt, Ph.D.


Choose active, precise verbs to invigorate your scientific or engineering professional papers, thesis, and reports. Frequently those choices will help you avoid unnecessary passive voice and excessive use of is, are, was, were, I, or we. For example: Instead of saying
This approach is an improvement on Smiths design,

Write
This approach improves Smiths design.

This work is a generalization of Smiths earlier algorithm This work generalizes Smiths earlier algorithm.

Graduate students in science and engineering at Rice University generated the following list of verbs. Read through them for choices that could help make your own writing more precise and persuasive. A B C D E F G H IJ K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Active Verbs That Describe Work yield clarify assert define illustrate indicate postulate classify illuminate represent consider invoke generalize introduce provide reveal prove infer analyze narrate report employ insist state compare evaluate chalenge mean propose suggest imply

extrapolate estimate hypothesize synthesize simplify delineate measure depict specify set forth speculate support reiterate

summarize disagree note construe restrict deduce present devise predict interpret

acknowledge distinguish inform sum up designate maintain determine obtain point out believe calculate argue

determine detail derive organize

characterize guide investigate assess attribute

construct evaluate

Active Verbs That Describe Phenomena discharge overlie surround exert extend occur bond traverse isolate restore circulate activate invert emanate radiate scatter transmit exchange contract slow exchange carry absorb trend quicken separate bombard converge plunge produce

combine eliminate emit exude interact behave elongate

constrain force fracture

continue mix

interlock fuse join invade

deteriorate migrate underlie divide precede allow transect

encompass access overlap sinter influence lag condense originate reclaim saturate terminate enrich rupture superpose

dominate deposit permeate evolve accrue distribute form link ascend

abandon contain orient cease convert forecast record alter require

superimpose rotate descend propel collapse

streamline appear crystallize bisect

coalesce disperse

disseminate cede

Writing Research Papers


Transition Words and Phrases Transition words and phrases help establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly, making them easier to read. Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances. To indicate more information: Besides Furthermore In addition Indeed In fact Moreover Second...Third..., etc. To indicate a cause or reason: To indicate an example: For example For instance In particular Particularly Specifically To demonstrate To illustrate To indicate a result or an effect: Accordingly Finally Consequently Hence So Therefore Thus

As Because Because of Due to For For the reason that Since To indicate a purpose or reason why: For fear that In the hope that In order to So So that With this in mind

To compare or contrast: Although However In comparison In contrast Likewise Nevertheless On the other hand Similarly Whereas Yet

To indicate a particular time frame or a shift from one time period to another: After Before Currently During Eventually Finally First, . . . Second, . . ., etc. Formerly Immediately Initially Lastly Later Meanwhile Next Previously Simultaneously Soon Subsequently

To summarize: Briefly In brief Overall Summing up To put it briefly To sum up To summarize

To conclude: Given these facts Hence In conclusion So Therefore Thus To conclude

Read more: Homework Center: Writing Research Papers Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/homework/ttransition.html#ixzz2AyvVPu8C


When you write a research paper, your job is to assert your own original thesis with an effective argument. You must come across as the authority on your topic. That is why it is extra important to use effective, direct verbs in a research paper. While reviewing the first draft of your research paper, you should do an inventory of your verbs. Are they tired and weak, or strong and effective? This list of verbs may provide suggestions to make your research paper sound more authoritative.

Awesome Action Verbs


When writing a thesis statement, main assertion, or analysis, only use language that both conveys the meaning of your argument and makes your argument more sophisticated. Use this list of awesome action verbs to strengthen your writing. Use the present tense form of the AA Verb. Ex.: The author reinforces the reader's enduring sense of injustice through the cruel characterization of the protagonist.

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