There is a verb that is in just about every novel I read. I’ll be trucking along, getting into the story, then BAM! I run smack into that word, and my hate for it throws me out of the story. It takes a good minute or two before I’m ready to get back to the book.

This word has never done anything to me to warrant this hatred. It’s just three little letters, for Pete’s sake.

I know I’m being neurotic, although I guess you already knew that. But still, I can’t get over it. I will forever hate this verb.

So what is it? Pad.

If a character pads down the hall, outside, inside, or into a room in socks, slippers, bare feet, or shoes, you can bet I’m cringing.

I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because the verb is so ubiquitous that it’s no longer fresh. But plenty of verbs are overused, and this is the only one that annoys me.

Your Turn

Are there any words that get under your skin?

Photo by mafleen.

Related Posts