Do you ever find yourself using words like “very,” “really,” “definitely,” or “absolutely” in your writing? While these words may seem to add emphasis, they often make your writing sound flabby and weak. Instead, there are a few simple ways to create more powerful writing that avoid these weak expressions.

1. Put the Most Important Words First

When starting a sentence, start with the most important words. For example, instead of saying “She was absolutely delighted,” say “Delighted, she…” This puts the emphasis on the action, instead of the weak phrase. This allows you to be more clear and precise with your writing.

2. Use Strong Verbs

Using strong verbs is one of the most effective ways to avoid flabby expressions. Instead of using phrases such as “It was very hard,” try using a stronger verb such as “It was arduous.” Not only does this avoid the flabby phrase, but it also adds a level of detail to your writing. Additionally, using strong verbs allows you to communicate more effectively without having to resort to weak phrases.

3. Rethink Metaphors

Sometimes when writing, it’s tempting to use metaphors that emphasize our writing, such as “The sky was a blanket of stars.” While this is certainly an effective turn of phrase, phrases such as these can quickly become cliche and trite. Instead of using these metaphors, try to come up with a more creative and unique metaphor to express your point. This will make your writing more powerful and vivid.

4. Use Pithy Phrases

Another way to avoid flabby expressions is to use pithy phrases. These are short, catchy phrases that are full of meaning. For example, instead of saying “He was very sad,” try saying “His heart was heavy.” Doing this allows you to skip over weak and flabby expressions and get right to the point.

Conclusion

By avoiding flabby expressions, you can create much stronger and more effective writing. To do this, focus on putting the most important words first, using strong verbs, rethinking metaphors, and using pithy phrases. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful, powerful writing every time.