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Glite Dictionary
strong verb

strong verb

5.7
A verb that shows powerful, clear action to make writing more lively
  • noun
  • /strɔŋ vɜrb/
translation icon : verbo fuerte
  • You do not have to memorize the vowel gradations of the strong verbs, but you do have to understand how they work.

Examples

  • To enhance your storytelling, focus on incorporating strong verbs that convey powerful actions.

  • Use short sentences, strong verbs and nouns, and active voice.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Using strong verbs in your writing can create a more vivid image for the reader.

  • Many writers prefer strong verbs to weak ones in order to make their sentences more impactful.

Surface Forms

strong verb singular
strong verbs plural

Morphology

strong + verb

The meaning is compositionally derived: a B1 learner who knows 'strong' (powerful, vivid) and 'verb' (an action word) will readily infer 'a verb that is forceful or vivid in expression.' Although there is a technical linguistic sense of 'strong verb' (vowel-changing past forms), the given definition matches the ordinary compositional reading, so it is immediately comprehensible to learners.

Etymology

Strong verb comes from a simple image: a verb is like a strong person who does the heavy work in a sentence and pushes the action forward. That's why a strong verb means 'a verb that makes writing more powerful'.