The parts of speech form the backbone of English discourse and writing. They
consist of nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, pronouns, articles, prepositions,
conjunctions and interjections. This article focuses on verbs, which are generally
action words. Verbs bring oral discourse and writing to life. Careless use
of verbs does a major disservice to writing. It weakens writing and accordingly
diminishes the overall vitality of the written word. The authors analyze
the principal ways in which verbs are misused. They offer easy to understand,
concrete examples of how to avoid the pitfalls of misusing verbs to ensure any
subject, but particularly legal writing, will be as powerful and easy to understand
as possible. Using verbs correctly is an important component of the Plain
English Movement, whose goal has been to stamp out legalese.
Key words: plain legal English, verbs, nominalization, legal writing, legalese.