What are the 5 Basic Brush Strokes?

1- Absolute- Consists of a noun and an - ing word (also known as a participle). Usually,

you can add one or two absolute brush strokes to the beginning or end of a

sentence. Adding them to the middle makes them lose their power.

2- Appositive- Using it is like capturing the same subject with images from two different

perspectives. After a noun (or noun phrase) in a basic sentence, you can

add another noun, set it off with commas, and paint a second image in the

mind of the reader.

3- Participle- It is similar to the absolute, but without the noun. It is an - ing word (or an

- ing phrase) tagged onto the beginning or end of a sentence.

4- Adjectives

Out-of-Order-When two consecutive adjectives are positioned after the noun.

5- Action Verb- Refrain from using forms of the verb to be. When you see them, replace

them with brush strokes or action verbs. To be verbs include: is, was, are

and other forms of the verb to be).

Example

Core Sentence: The elephant charged the lions.

1- Adding an Absolute Brush Stroke

Feet stomping, ears flapping, the elephant charged the lions.

2- Adding an Appositive Brush Stroke

The elephant, an angry 1200- pound beast, charged the lions.

3- Adding a Participle Brush Stroke

Roaring a loud warning screech, the elephant charged the lions.

4- Adding an Adjectives Out-of-Order Brush Stroke

The angry elephant, monstrous and fierce, charged the lions.

5- Adding an Action Verb Brush Stroke

The elephant attacked the lions.