Word Choice

Word Choice

Mrs. Sullivan

Examine verb + preposition acting as a verb

Try to replace the verb + preposition with a single, more descriptive verb

Remember!

Verbs = action words

Prepositions = relationship words (about, above, across, after, against, around, etc.)

Examples

The storm blew down the house.

The storm leveled the house.

She found out where her mom hid her birthday presents.

She discovered where her mom hid her birthday presents.

Elizabeth turned down Mr. Darcy's proposal.

Elizabeth rejected Mr. Darcy's proposal.

Can you improve these sentences?

Select the verb that strengthen the following sentences.

Multiple Choice

The manager dealt with the complaints about delayed shipping.

• handled

• responded to

• helped with

Multiple Choice

I took off my shoes when I returned home from school.

• slipped off

• removed

• stepped out of

Multiple Choice

Please hand in your homework.

• turn in

• give me

• submit

Multiple Choice

The rain caused the coach to call off practice.

• put off

• cancel

• delay

Multiple Choice

Will you help me pick out an outfit for the dance?

• choose

• decide

• shop for

Multiple Choice

Can you make this sentence better?

I want to try out a new nail polish color.

• I want to try out a fancier nail polish color.

• I want to try a new nail polish color.

• I want to try out a brand-new nail polish color.

Multiple Choice

Can you make this sentence better?

My sister refuses to give back the clothes she borrowed.

• My sister refuses to return the clothes she borrowed.

• My sister adamantly refuses to give back the clothes she borrowed.

• My sister is the worst.

Multiple Choice

Can you make this sentence better?

Don't bring up politics at the dinner table.

• Do not bring up politics at the dinner table.

• Don't bring up politics or religion at the dinner table.

• Don't discuss politics at the dinner table.

Multiple Choice

Can you make this sentence better?

I put off my essay until the last minute.

• I would never put off my essay until the last minute.

• I wish I hadn't put off my essay until the last minute.

• I left my essay until the last minute.