Writing Skills – How Do I Use Descriptive Words?

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     Descriptive words are the backbone for writing descriptive sentences, descriptive paragraphs, and descriptive essays.
 
     When editing and proofreading a piece of writing, it is important to remove and change non-descriptive words to more descriptive ones.
 
Verbs
Verbs make sentences come alive.  Verbs are action words that give movement to writing and allow the reader to visualize the action.
 
For example:
 
I was tired, so I walked to the door and turned the handle.
 
We can change the verbs in this sentence so that it is becomes more descriptive by giving us a better picture.
 
I was exhausted, so I staggered to the door, squeezed the handle  and twisted it to the right.
 

Nouns
Common nouns such as car, dog, tree, and man aren't very descriptive.  We can substitute these nouns with proper nouns such as Toyota, Dalmatian, Maple, and Mr. Jones.  These nouns are specific and they let the reader visualize the writing more clearly.
 

Colorful Adjectives and Adverbs
Colorful adjectives and adverbs can make or break a piece of writing, especially a narrative.  Adjectives and adverbs, also known as modifiers, can mean the difference between a non-descriptive and very descriptive piece of writing.
 
Example:
 
He walked through the forest and saw a bear.
 
We can add adjectives and adverbs to paint a better picture of this scene.
 
He cautiously walked through the dark forest and saw a ferocious Grizzly Bear.
 
  Clearly focusing on detailed verbs, nouns, and modifiers will enhance and improve the quality of your (or your child's) writing. 

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Tutorgiant.com provides Descriptive Writing  and Grammar lessons with worksheets.

See some of the lessons in our video library.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - Lesson (A) Sentences (Grades 1-3)

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - Lesson (B) Paragraphs (Grades 4-6)

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - Lesson (C) Writing a Descriptive Essay (Grades 4-8 )