This week, we return to verb usage. Clearly ensuring that you use the proper verb to represent the action in your sentence is central to presenting a focused, concise message.
The sentences below illustrate how to eliminate extraneous verb usage. Sentence: When a woman behaves in a way identified as being outside of gendered cultural norms, she RUNS THE RISK OF having her value as a woman questioned.
Edited Sentence: When a woman behaves in a way identified as being outside of gendered cultures norms, she RISKS having her value as a woman questioned.
Explanation: In the first sentence, the verb phrase “runs the risk” is used to express the action of the sentence. However, the true action of the sentence is expressed through the second verb. Therefore, in the edited sentence, the first verb “runs” is deleted. Removing this verb requires the deletion of the words “the” and “of” before and after the second verb “risk.” Additionally, the verb "risk" is placed in singular form to agree with the subject of the sentence (she), so it reads “risks” in the second sentence.
The edited sentence reads more concisely and highlights the true action of the sentence. When finalizing your documents, review your verb usage to remove any extraneous verbs.
Cultivating writers...one tip at a time!