Click the HIGHLIGHT WEAK VERBS button to highlight weak verbs in your text. A word or phrase highlighted in yellow means the verb is weak (which weakens the sentence) and you can replace it with a stronger verb. (Not all highlights mean you need to edit out the weak verb, but you should pay close attention to the sentence to see if you can improve it).
Here are real examples from the Robert Gunning Editor:
Weak Verb:
Chronic sleep deprivation is defined as consistently getting less sleep than the recommended 7-9 hours per night for adults.
Strong Verb:
Chronic sleep deprivation is defined as consistently sleeping less than the recommended 7-9 hours per night for adults.
Weak Verb:
The filmmakers have created a world that feels both fantastical and real.
Strong Verb:
The filmmakers have built a fantastical and real world.
Weak Verb:
The film’s fantastical creatures seem to jump off the screen.
Strong Verb:
The film’s fantastical creatures leap to life, bursting with vivid intensity.
Weak Verb:
Bulk items have a lower cost per unit, which means you get more for your money.
Strong Verb:
Bulk items cost less per unit, so you save more money.
Weak Verb:
Shopping on a full stomach can help you stick to your list and make smarter choices.
Strong Verb:
Shopping on a full stomach can help you stick to your list and choose more wisely.
Weak Verb:
Cells play a part in keeping the nutrients of the body in balance.
Strong Verb:
Cells play a part in balancing the body’s nutrients.
Weak Verb:
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat for a wide variety of marine species and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.
Strong Verb:
Coral reefs are diverse and productive ecosystems; they support a variety of marine species and the livelihoods of millions of people.
Weak Verb:
The changes taking place in the polar regions are not isolated events.
Strong Verb:
The changes taking place in the polar regions are not isolated events. (Remove the weak verb).
Weak Verb:
We’re inviting you to take part in our Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Strong Verb:
We invite you to complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Weak Verb:
The park’s renovation also included updates to the sports fields, making them more suitable for soccer, baseball, and other activities
Strong Verb:
The park also renovated the sports fields to include soccer, baseball, and other activities.
Weak Verb:
To get the word out about the program, the town held a special event in the park.
Strong Verb:
To promote the program, the town held a special event in the park.
Weak Verb:
Not only does growing your own food reduce the carbon footprint, but it also gives you control over what goes into your food—no pesticides or chemicals, just fresh, organic goodness.
Strong Verb:
Not only does growing your own food reduce the carbon footprint, but it also empowers you to eat healthier—no pesticides or chemicals, just fresh, organic goodness.
Weak Verb:
Maplewood High School has introduced a comprehensive mental health program aimed at providing students with the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
Strong Verb:
Maplewood High School has launched an in-depth mental health program to help students thrive academically and emotionally.