Name _______________________________ Date ___________________________

English 9H Improving Diction—Vivid Verbs

When writing literary essays, writers may fall into a routine of using the same hackneyed verbs
repeatedly. One way to become a more sophisticated writer is to choose sophisticated, vivid verbs.
For example, instead of writing:
The author uses imagery to show that the house is important.
Try using more vivid verbs:
The author employs imagery to underscore the significance of the narrator’s house.

Vivid Verbs Appropriate for Literary Essays:

Of course, take the time to look up and examine the definitions of the words you don’t know. This is
NOT a list of synonyms. Each word has specific usage patterns that are unique to its meaning.
Alludes to
Attests
Clarifies
Confirms
Conveys
Denotes
Depicts
Determines
Displays
Emphasizes
Entails
Establishes
Exemplifies
Explains
Exposes
Expounds
Highlights
Hints
Illustrates
Implies
Connotes
Indicates
Portrays
Represents
Reveals
Shows
Signifies
Substantiates
Suggests
Typifies
Underscores