What is a smothered verb?

• A. A verb phrase with too many adjectives
• B. A general verb used with several extra words that confuse the reader
• C. A passive construction
• D. A verb tense error

Answer: (B)

Smothered verb means a verb that’s buried under too many words, turning a simple action into a wordy jumble. The problem is that the action isn’t expressed directly with a precise verb; instead, a general verb is paired with several extra words that distract or confuse the reader. For example, “The team did come to a conclusion about postponing the project” uses a general auxiliary feel and extra phrases rather than a crisp verb like “concluded” or “postponed.” The best choice points to this pattern: a general verb used with several extra words that cloud the main action.

The other options miss the core idea. A verb phrase with too many adjectives isn’t accurate because adjectives modify nouns, not the verb. A passive construction shifts voice rather than focusing on the issue of burying the verb under filler words. A verb tense error concerns time reference, not the clutter around the verb itself.

So the best description is a general verb loaded with extra words that obscure the action.