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Verb Your Enthusiasm: How to Master the Art of the Verb and Transform Your Writing
“This verb-filled outing reads like a dream.” – Publishers Weekly (starred)
“An almost shockingly adroit guide to how to make every word count.” —Benjamin Dreyer, author of the New York Times bestseller Dreyer's English
An elegant guide to the promise, power, and poetry of verbs, from Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Sarah L. Kaufman
Verbs are the underrated stars of the English language. They hold it all together. A complete sentence cannot exist without one, yet a single verb can create complete meaning. (See?) In this brilliant exploration of language, grammar, and style, Sarah L. Kaufman illuminates how all of us, professional writers and novices alike, can master the art of the verb and unlock the infinite potential of written expression.
When she was the dance critic at The Washington Post, Kaufman was challenged to translate the dynamic language of movement into words. Verbs showed her the way. Good verbs power great storytelling; they leap off the page, fire our senses, and transform our perceptions.
Verb Your Enthusiasm is a clarion call for all of us to get back to to mean what we say, and say what we mean. Across eleven chapters, Kaufman proves how strong verbs can make your own writing—be it an email, a text, a report, or an ad—more efficient and effective, and investigates theories of language that will change how you read and write. But this isn’t a grammar guide, and it surely isn’t a set of rules. Great writing comes from a mix of inspiration, passion, and intelligence—from your unique discernment and imagination. Searching for the right verb might even reveal something true about yourself. All that in a word. So go. Write. Verb.
“An almost shockingly adroit guide to how to make every word count.” —Benjamin Dreyer, author of the New York Times bestseller Dreyer's English
An elegant guide to the promise, power, and poetry of verbs, from Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Sarah L. Kaufman
Verbs are the underrated stars of the English language. They hold it all together. A complete sentence cannot exist without one, yet a single verb can create complete meaning. (See?) In this brilliant exploration of language, grammar, and style, Sarah L. Kaufman illuminates how all of us, professional writers and novices alike, can master the art of the verb and unlock the infinite potential of written expression.
When she was the dance critic at The Washington Post, Kaufman was challenged to translate the dynamic language of movement into words. Verbs showed her the way. Good verbs power great storytelling; they leap off the page, fire our senses, and transform our perceptions.
Verb Your Enthusiasm is a clarion call for all of us to get back to to mean what we say, and say what we mean. Across eleven chapters, Kaufman proves how strong verbs can make your own writing—be it an email, a text, a report, or an ad—more efficient and effective, and investigates theories of language that will change how you read and write. But this isn’t a grammar guide, and it surely isn’t a set of rules. Great writing comes from a mix of inspiration, passion, and intelligence—from your unique discernment and imagination. Searching for the right verb might even reveal something true about yourself. All that in a word. So go. Write. Verb.
Audible Audio
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Sarah L. Kaufman
4 books21 followersWelcome, friend. I'm the author of VERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (coming April 2026) and THE ART OF GRACE. I'm also a journalist and educator. A native Texan, I grew up in DC as a book lover, ballet bunhead and movie nerd. ("The Turning Point" quite mercilessly ignited my dreams.) I live in Asheville, North Carolina. More info on my website: http://sarahlkaufman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlkaufman/
My Washington Post writing: http://www.washingtonpost.com/people/...
Verb Your Enthusiasm: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
The Art of Grace: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Grace-Movin...
My Washington Post writing: http://www.washingtonpost.com/people/...
Verb Your Enthusiasm: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
The Art of Grace: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Grace-Movin...
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 7, 2026
For anyone who writes better, this book calls to you.
If successful writing embodies clarity and grace, well-chosen verbs are the key. That is the case advocated by Sarah Kaufman. Selecting the precise verb can both “sweep away adverbs and other clutter” and “pull readers into your writing by suggesting and tantalizing, revealing the body’s secrets, heightening the emotion.”
Unlike nouns that can have a physical presence, verbs are fleeting. But verbs show change. Moreover, the right verb can stimulate the reader’s senses, allowing her to experience the moment.
Through her use of examples from journalism, poetry, and novels, Kaufman demonstrates each assertion. Her examples include writings from Edgar Allan Poe, James Baldwin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sarah Kaufman, Salley Rooney, George Orwell, Zadie Smith, Gustave Flaubert, John Dos Passos, …, and Ulysses S. Grant. Where does the author find the time to read this much?
In one chapter, she relates recent scientific research on word choices to how readers and their bodies react.
Each chapter concludes with Good Habit exercises for readers to practice using verbs.
In my own writing journey, I’ve read many books on the practice and art of storytelling. This book opened my mind to the power of the verb; its lessons will be pivotal in improving my writing. I wish this had been published a few years ago. But then, without having tried to write, perhaps I would not have appreciated the wisdom.
Thank you, Sarah Kaufman, for sharing your experiences.
If successful writing embodies clarity and grace, well-chosen verbs are the key. That is the case advocated by Sarah Kaufman. Selecting the precise verb can both “sweep away adverbs and other clutter” and “pull readers into your writing by suggesting and tantalizing, revealing the body’s secrets, heightening the emotion.”
Unlike nouns that can have a physical presence, verbs are fleeting. But verbs show change. Moreover, the right verb can stimulate the reader’s senses, allowing her to experience the moment.
Through her use of examples from journalism, poetry, and novels, Kaufman demonstrates each assertion. Her examples include writings from Edgar Allan Poe, James Baldwin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sarah Kaufman, Salley Rooney, George Orwell, Zadie Smith, Gustave Flaubert, John Dos Passos, …, and Ulysses S. Grant. Where does the author find the time to read this much?
In one chapter, she relates recent scientific research on word choices to how readers and their bodies react.
Each chapter concludes with Good Habit exercises for readers to practice using verbs.
In my own writing journey, I’ve read many books on the practice and art of storytelling. This book opened my mind to the power of the verb; its lessons will be pivotal in improving my writing. I wish this had been published a few years ago. But then, without having tried to write, perhaps I would not have appreciated the wisdom.
Thank you, Sarah Kaufman, for sharing your experiences.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Penguin Press provided an early galley for review.
The blurb from the publisher states "this isn't a grammar guide", but that is not 100% true. Chapter 2 does a very good job providing a refresher course on the parts of speech as well as the various types of verbs one can encounter and employ. I found it a nice reminder of things I might have forgotten.
I also found the chapter on passive voice userful. That is a trap many of us writers fall into without even realizing it.
Two more things I wanted to call out. First, I like that each chapter ends with a "good habits" section, which proposes some exercises for the reader to perform to further drive home the discussions. Second, I enjoyed the appendix that included a small index of "vintage verbs". Those were a lot of fun.
The blurb from the publisher states "this isn't a grammar guide", but that is not 100% true. Chapter 2 does a very good job providing a refresher course on the parts of speech as well as the various types of verbs one can encounter and employ. I found it a nice reminder of things I might have forgotten.
I also found the chapter on passive voice userful. That is a trap many of us writers fall into without even realizing it.
Two more things I wanted to call out. First, I like that each chapter ends with a "good habits" section, which proposes some exercises for the reader to perform to further drive home the discussions. Second, I enjoyed the appendix that included a small index of "vintage verbs". Those were a lot of fun.
May 19, 2026
Thank you Penguin Random House for the audio book!
I really enjoyed this book. Kaufman identified good writing in a way that I have always recognized and felt in my gut, but never was able to pick apart.
I enjoyed the discussion, the practical guides, and while I was listening to this, I probably would have enjoyed it even more reading. If reading the book, I would have taken time to do the exercises and experimented with my own writing.
Who knew a book about words could be so much fun? I know now!
I really enjoyed this book. Kaufman identified good writing in a way that I have always recognized and felt in my gut, but never was able to pick apart.
I enjoyed the discussion, the practical guides, and while I was listening to this, I probably would have enjoyed it even more reading. If reading the book, I would have taken time to do the exercises and experimented with my own writing.
Who knew a book about words could be so much fun? I know now!
May 16, 2026
Writing in Action
Hop on the rollercoaster and improve your writing - racing, spiraling, climbing, plunging through actions and emotions to force your reader to see and feel what is happening. Kaufman gives great advice and offers exercises that can guide you into using verbs more effectively. A grammar/writing style book is seldom described as fun and exciting, but this one fits the bill. Highly recommend.
Hop on the rollercoaster and improve your writing - racing, spiraling, climbing, plunging through actions and emotions to force your reader to see and feel what is happening. Kaufman gives great advice and offers exercises that can guide you into using verbs more effectively. A grammar/writing style book is seldom described as fun and exciting, but this one fits the bill. Highly recommend.
May 2, 2026
A great book for writers. If I learnt nothing new or mind-blowing, a clear, concise review of the basics of good prose is ever useful...and verbs are the basis of good prose. It's not heavy nor laden with boring terminology or tedious reviews of what you (should have) learning in school; it does contain many useful examples and enlightening advice.
May 26, 2026
This book is an absolute delight and a must read for anyone who writes anything at all! I know I will not only read it again quite soon but every year.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews