Do you make this common writing mistake? It’s so easy to fix.

Read this sentence: “I was going to start walking every Sunday.”

Or this one: “I wanted to think about doing more exercise.”

Did you spot it?

So many VERBS. Too many. Go. Start. Walk. Want. Think. Do.

Many authors write three verbs when one would do. Of course, it doesn’t matter in your first draft. Have yourself a party at the first draft stage.

But when you review your writing? Chop, chop. Get rid of one—or two—if possible.

  • I will walk every Sunday. (Down to two: will and walk)
  • From next weekend, I walk every Sunday. (Down to one)
    OR
  • I plan to do more exercise. (Two: plan and do.)
  • I plan more exercise. (One: plan.)

Why does it matter? Words tire readers. They get lost. They reread. They give up. They get confused.

Of course, sometimes you need more than one verb. More often, you do not. Take one or two out. Build your authority. Keep your readers.

Chop, chop.