A Guide to Improving Your Writing: Replacing Overused Intensifiers

Disha Kothari, a commerce background public speaker, recently delved into the importance of enhancing one’s vocabulary to avoid overusing common intensifiers like 'very'. This article explores the significance of choosing more precise and impactful words to make your writing and speech more engaging and sophisticated.

Understanding Overused Intensifiers

Many writers and speakers often fall into the habit of using the intensifier 'very' liberally. While 'very' serves its purpose, excessive use can diminish the impact of your words. For instance, using 'very' with adjectives such as 'excruciatingly' or 'greatly' isn’t always the most effective way to convey intensity. Native speakers, includingDisha Kothari, often overuse 'very', but recognizing this and taking steps to improve can significantly enhance your communication skills.

Example: Instead of saying, "It was very hot that day," you could say, "It was scorchingly hot that day," which carries stronger connotations and adds more vivid imagery to your statement.

Alternatives to 'Very'

There are numerous words and phrases that can be used as alternatives to 'very' to enhance your writing and speech. Below is a list of some synonyms and more modern alternatives:

Modern Clichés

To add a contemporary twist, incorporating modern colloquialisms can make your writing more relatable and engaging. For example, instead of saying, "It’s very exciting," you could use 'super' or 'amazing,' such as:

"It’s super exciting!" "It was really hot that day!" "I feel totally exhausted now!"

These alternatives are simpler and can make your statements feel more authentic and casual, making your writing more relatable.

Strong Synonyms

For those who prefer a more sophisticated tone, there are numerous strong synonyms available. Here are a few alternatives:

Very Exciting rarr; Wonderfully Exciting Very Hot rarr; Scorchingly Hot Very Tired rarr; Utterly Exhausted

These alternatives are more descriptive and can convey intensity more effectively, making your writing more vivid and impactful.

Resources for Improvement

For those who want to improve their vocabulary and writing skills, resources such as English Collocations in Use (for intermediate levels) are highly recommended. This book offers practical exercises and examples to help you better understand and use intensifiers and other collocations effectively.

Additionally, Disha Kothari has a dedicated video on her channel, Learn and Grow with Disha and Ridhi, aimed at helping viewers reduce the use of 'very' and enhance their vocabulary. You can find the video and more resources in the link below:

Learn and Grow with Disha and Ridhi

Conclusion

By mastering the art of using intensifiers effectively, you can significantly enhance your writing and public speaking skills. Whether you choose to embrace modern clichés or opt for stronger, more vivid alternatives, the key is to vary your language and choose the words that best convey your message. Try experimenting with different alternatives and see which ones best suit your style and the context of your writing.