200 Ways to Say “Went”
A few weeks ago, I created a graphic poster that listed 100 ways to say “said.” It was quite a hit. But there are plenty of words that young writers settle for, perhaps because they are unaware of the many alternatives.
I doubt there’s another action verb blander than go or it’s past form, went. I mean, why say “Adam went down the corridor” when you could say…
- Adam bolted down the corridor.
- Adam bounded down the corridor.
- Adam dashed down the corridor.
- Adam ducked out of the corridor.
- Adam moseyed down the corridor.
- Adam slogged down the corridor.
I realized that there are a plethora of richer, more vivid alternatives to went, so I started brainstorming. Before long, I not only passed 100, but made it all the way to 200. I’ve thought of more since, but you have to draw the line somewhere.
So, for writers everywhere looking for more interesting ways to make their characters “go,” I proudly present: 200 Ways to Say “Went.“
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Your comments are always appreciated. Please share your thoughts below.
What about bail or jam “I gotta bail, see ya!” Or “Let’s jam” may have missed those however I didn’t see them when reading thru.
Those are good slang terms, Rebecca. Thanks.
Thank you!
Any updates on printables or posters? Definitely want to share with my kiddos!
signing off for now…until later…
As my trailer fuel is increasingly running out…where oh where has the fuel gone…or..ahmm…went?
I is expedient that I write quickly as the raynauds does not serve me well when typing, or other matters.
So, I am consistantly in a race…I thrive on the adrenaline which pervades my soul, but would not mind some leeway, but will continue to pursue even, if, until the very end.
I just wanna write and am sick and tired of interference getting in my way!
Can interference get in your way? ahahhaa
regardless of the computer issues, I’ll go for it, it’s just that if I’m in the middle of something, …well, you all know what I mean, but I will try…I thrive on this, makes me tick…I love this site! I am a happier person indeed!
My thoughts…WENT…out the window…
If I reply to myself…am I truly …gone…or , have I…went?dissipated?
exfoliated, dismembered, discontinued…this sounds gruesome..lol…ewww sorta reminds me of
the “bucket list” oh wow…ewww yeah sometimes I don
t realize what I write and look back and go……….ewww…ahhhh…WTF? This is fun. thanxs!
Wow. Thanks for your, um, interesting contribution, Suzi.
so as long as my computer doesn’t keep shutting off I would love to have a contest…
Since this stuff always comes on top of my head quickly, and doesn’t leave or go somewhere-ever it “went” I would like to see a challenge of sorts to see who could come up with the quickest and wittiest or “most witty” the quickest wickest…don’t mind the mind…mind you? wow where did “they” come up with that? seriously, writers are always thinking…I mean, it never shuts off…
anyway…I’m up for the challenge…
thanks so much! This was fun.
would be great to print this!! im not sure how it stopps at the 6th row of c’s
I’m working on a printable version, Valeria. Stay tuned.
I teach IEW writing in our community group and we are always encouraging the students to find other ways to express themselves – this is a great post. I linked it on my FB page since many of my friends use IEW to teach writing.
thank you
Christina
That’s great Christina. Andrew Pudewa is one of my favorite guys in the homeschool world. He is whupping me in virtual Scrabble at this very moment. Thanks for sharing my post!
This is super! I’ll definitely link my students to this page. By the way, is there an easy way to find various posts later on? Sometimes I use the search box and can’t find what I’m looking for. Then I have to scroll through a bunch of posts. I know you list categories, but sometimes I can’t decide which category the topic best fits in. I’m just looking for time savers when I’m working on student papers.
Thanks!
Yes, Mary. Click on Resource Library on the top header. It’s new and I was going to tell all coaches about it this week.
Yippee! That will work great. Thanks a million.
Sure thing. I’m not quite done linking all the articles there, but there’s already a lot to work with. I’m leaving out the simply entertaining or clever stuff and just linking to anything a teacher or writing coach might find useful.
This is great! Would love to be able to print it as a poster. It prints as a jpg just fine (your website included!), it’s just tiny. I work with students who are home schooled and I’ve just been helping the parents with this! I’m going to give them your website as a resource. Thanks.
Lurched, backed, moved, tiptoed, blasted, padded, swung, careened, evaporated, footed, stepped, waltzed, clumped, limped, stalked, hobbled, shambled, stumbled, blew, lumbered, swaggered, staggered, reeled, galumphed, barged, breezed, coasted, doddered, wobbled, weaved, continued, took, headed, passed, came, approached, arrived, returned, subsided, tumbled, accelerated, rallied, endeavoured, toiled, struggled, maundered, oozed, spilled, trooped, retired, gimped, scuffed, nipped, tapped, faltered, ..
Aww. I was sure I could extend the list to 300 verbs. I seem to be stuck though.
Still, isn’t the English language amazing, to have words like sashay, skedaddle, gallivant and traipse? ^_^
.., scram, scarper, started, eased, blazed, belted, bustled, cannonballed, buzzed off, coursed, hied, motored, hurled, pelted, ripped, streaked, whizzed, caught up, beelined, vacated, cantered, bowled, humped, jiggled, forged, repaired, wilted, shrank, relocated, shifted, struck out, budged, carried on, penetrated, bore, prevailed, charged, launched, bailed, booked it, buggered off, peeled, vamoosed, evacuated, lit out, migrated, adjourned.
There. A few over 100 to add to the list. Now I won’t have to lie awake tonight :þ
I admit that I used a thesaurus to jog my brain though. But only a few I had to look up in the dictionary, honest.
Awesome, Kimiko! I can’t believe believe you put all this effort in. On second thought, yes, I can. It was actually kind of fun, huh?
Would you mind if I revised my poster to 300 Ways to Say Went? I’m going to be producing some print versions as requested and I’d like to add your verbs.
Hihi
Yes, I couldn’t help feeling it as a challenge to find more and more verbs. I actually thought of a few more at night. Clattered, descended, swam, wheeled, wheelied, soldiered on. Use the extras to replace ones that seem iffy.
And no, I wouldn’t mind at all. No need to ask permission; I certainly don’t own the language.
Ah, no, now I got hooked finding more verbs again. Oh well. Something fun to do while I go take a shower.
Voyaged, skated, rollerbladed, rowed, twisted, navigated, embarked, undulated, ..
Argh, no, I have to stop. I still need to buy groceries today.
Thanks for plugging the site. I’ll need to reformat the list to create a printable poster, but I’m going to do it. I may even add the new contributions from Kimiko. 300 ways to say “went.”
I completely agree. I love many of these words. If we knew each other, I think we’d be friends.
Could you make a lovely list like this for the word “then”?
I could try, but I’m doubtful I could get anywhere near 200 options! Is this a word you see often in your students’ writing?
Hi, Brian,
Can this be ordered? Printed/downloaded?
Looks fab.
Kimberly
I’m working on a print/poster version. I’ll keep you posted. (ha)
Saw this on Pinterest and am printing it for my 11 year old. Thank you!
Great! How well did it print? I’m looking into printing it as a poster.
LOVE this…and so do my kids =) thanks for sharing!
That’s nice to hear, Amanda. Glad you all enjoy it.
Thanks, Ambien. We’ll look into that.