Using Analytical Verbs in our Writing

Using Analytical Verbs in our Writing

What are analytical verbs and why do we use them?

• They are specific action words that show what a writer intended to do/prove.

• Careful use of these verbs will result in a precise argument.

• Analytical verbs are effective in thesis statements, topic sentences, concluding sentences, and the "Make a point" part of a quotation sandwich.

Some of the most common analytical verbs...

• Illustrates- to explain or make something clear

• Portrays- to describe something in a particular way

• Exemplifies- to be an example of

• Reveals- to make previously unknown information clear to others

• Conveys- to communicate an idea to someone

• Compares- to find similarity between

• Contrasts- to find differences

Some of the most common analytical verbs...

• Establishes- to put beyond doubt; to prove

• Emphasizes- to give special importance to something

• Reinforces- to strengthen or support with additional information

• Implies- to strongly suggest

• Suggests- to put forward for others to consider

As you can see, these verbs are not all created equal. There is nuance to them. They must be carefully selected to "fit" the point you want to make.

Let's look at some examples...

In "The Woods Devil," Paul Annixter illustrates the obligation Nathan feels to provide for his family.

In "The Woods Devil," Paul Annixter portrays the wolverine as a violent, merciless animal.

Throughout the "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury reveals the dangers of having access to too much technology.

At the end of "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury implies that the children had the lions eat their parents.

Now, you decide which analytical verb works the best in each sentence. Be prepared to defend your answer.

Please note that this is not an easy task. You really need to think about which analytical verb fits BEST with the idea presented in the sentence.

Multiple Choice

In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury ______________ the point that people who seem to have everything can still be unhappy when the mother states that she needs a "vacation" from the house.

• reinforces

• compares

• emphasizes

In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury ______________ the point that people who seem to have everything can still be unhappy when the mother states that she needs a "vacation" from the house.

Emphasizes- to give special importance to something

Reinforces- this point would have had to been made prior

Compares- we are not looking at similarities

Multiple Choice

In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury __________ that the parents spoil their children by giving them everything they want.

• establishes

• suggests

• implies

In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury __________ that the parents spoil their children by giving them everything they want.

Establishes- to put beyond doubt; to prove

Suggests- to put forward for others to consider; not as strong a word as "establishes." The children had lions eat their parents; clearly the fact that they were spoiled was established, not suggested :)

Implies- This idea is not just implied; it is established over and over again throughout the story.

Multiple Choice

In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury ______________ that the children are so unhappy with their parents that they would want to kill them.

• portrays

• reveals

• reinforces

In "The Veldt," Ray Bradbury ______________ that the children are so unhappy with their parents that they would want to kill them.

Reveals- to make information clear

Portrays- to describe something in a particular way; this idea isn't really "described."

Reinforces- to support with additional information; there is not original information to suggest this idea

As you outline your literary analysis paragraph on "The Veldt," carefully select at least two different analytical verbs to help you make a precise argument.