Unspecified Verbs Flashcards
Unspecified verbs leave us in the dark about the experience being described. All verbs are relatively unspecified. However, “kiss” is much more specific than “touch.” If someone says he’s been hurt, it could have been from a harsh look given by someone important to them, or they might have been hit by a car. Asking for verb specification reconnects the person more fully to his or her experience. To challenge unspecified verbs, ask: HOW SPECIFICALLY?
He rejected me.
How, specifically, did he reject you?
If someone says he’s been hurt, it
could have been from a harsh look given by someone
important to them, or they might have been hit by a car.
Asking for verb specification reconnects the person more
fully to his or her experience. To challenge unspecified
verbs, ask: HOW SPECIFICALLY?
They ignored me.
How, specifically, did they ignore you?
If someone says he’s been hurt, it
could have been from a harsh look given by someone
important to them, or they might have been hit by a car.
Asking for verb specification reconnects the person more
fully to his or her experience. To challenge unspecified
verbs, ask: HOW SPECIFICALLY?
The children force me to punish them.
How, specifically, do the children force you to
punish them?
If someone says he’s been hurt, it
could have been from a harsh look given by someone
important to them, or they might have been hit by a car.
Asking for verb specification reconnects the person more
fully to his or her experience. To challenge unspecified
verbs, ask: HOW SPECIFICALLY?
