Throw-Away Words (Part 4 of 4)

Whenever you run across “made his way,” “found himself,” “proceeded to,” “shot a look,” “caught a glimpse,” or “managed to,” you can probably find a better verb or verb phrase. Instead of “made his way,” we should walk, run, crawl, tiptoe, or something else that creates a vivid picture.

1. Jack recently found himself in the consulting business.
   Jack recently entered the consulting business.
2. Bill made his way to the front of the room.
   Bill walked to the front of the room.
3. She proceeded to glance around the room.
   She glanced around the room.
4. He managed to find something to reflect a touch of talent.
   He reflected a touch of talent.
5. He politely pushed his way through the crowd.
   He politely pushed through the crowd.
6. She shot a look at her adversary.
   She glared at her adversary.
7. She caught a glimpse of his press pass for the local paper.
   She glimpsed his press pass for the local paper.