Here are some characteristics of vague verbs:
* Overly general: Words like "do," "make," "get," "go," "have," and "see" can be vague depending on the context.
* Lack of detail: They don't provide specific information about how, when, where, or to what extent the action is performed.
* Open to interpretation: Different readers or listeners might understand the action differently because of the lack of detail.
Examples of vague verbs:
* "He went to the store." We don't know what he did at the store, why he went, or how he got there.
* "She made dinner." Did she cook a simple meal or an elaborate feast? What ingredients did she use?
* "They had a meeting." What was the purpose of the meeting? What was discussed?
Why are vague verbs problematic?
* Lack of clarity: Vague verbs can confuse the reader or listener and make it difficult to understand the message.
* Weaken writing: They can make your writing seem weak, unfocused, and unprofessional.
* Lack of impact: Vague verbs don't evoke strong images or emotions in the reader's mind.
How to avoid vague verbs:
* Use specific verbs: Choose verbs that describe the action precisely. For example, instead of "He went to the store," you could say "He walked quickly to the store to buy milk."
* Add details: Provide more information about the action, such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.
* Consider the context: Think about the specific situation and choose a verb that accurately reflects the action taking place.
By avoiding vague verbs and using more specific and descriptive language, you can create clearer, more engaging, and impactful writing.