The following active verbs are displayed under the category in which they are most effective. Notice that they are all in present tense. Analytical essays in which you are discussing or critiquing a literary work should always be written in present tense. However, if you are writing a simple narrative of events, writing in past tense is perfectly alright. When you write your essay, make sure you stick with one tense throughout your work. Shifting between tenses can be extremely confusing for the reader.
| All Purpose Verbs | Discovery Verbs | Positive Verbs | Negative Verbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| inludes means represents uses consists of reviews develops explains renders appears illustrates symbolizes seems employs lists pictures envelopes gives comments says remarks equals indentifies surrounds compares alludes to shows repeats becomes looks remains intends |
discovers becomes aware of discloses realizes changes surprises inspires progresses expects analyzes theorizes reveals warns of comes to light confesses feels remorse learns remembers reminisces grows differs hints at suggests searches for awakens seeks |
molds glories in encourages affirms agrees increases compares strengthens improve praises likes loves enjoys embolden inspires capitalizes build up nourish nurtures add to teaches |
attacks mocks makes fun of disagrees dislikes disturbs despair upsets patronize decreases detest tears down regrets abandons mourns for impedes restrains imprisons frightens agitates tempts exploits disparages condescends |
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