What is a weak word?

If I have written "weak word" on your essay, I am asking you to choose a stronger word. Usually this means that your verb was passive instead of active, or that your vocabulary is low level. Use the table I have created below to pinpoint your weak vocabulary, then make revisions in your essay.

Common Weak Words and Ways to Replace Them

• it =  say what "it" is  
• thing = say that the thing is (reason, idea, object, characteristic)
• something/anything/everything = these words are still vague and refer to "nothing," or no noun in particular. Always say what that "thing" actually is.
• bad = negative
• good = positive
• happy = exuberant / joyful
• sad = morose / melancholy

 

For more help with weak words, read this great article written by Keli Gwyn entitled "12 Weak Words We Can Turn into Strong Ones" by visiting the following link http://keligwyn.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/weasel-words-and-weak-words/