experienced

The word 'experienced' weakens prose by creating emotional distance between the reader and the character. When you write 'She experienced fear,' you step back from the character's immediate sensations and thoughts, labeling the emotion instead of immersing the reader in it. This distancing effect pulls the reader out of the character's perspective, leading to a less engaging narrative. Before: She experienced joy at the news. After: Joy surged through her, and she couldn't help but smile. Before: He experienced a pang of regret. After: Regret twisted in his stomach as he recalled his harsh words. Before: She experienced anger when she heard the insult. After: Her fists clenched, and her face flushed as the insult echoed in her mind. 'Experienced' earns its place primarily in dialogue. Characters may use the term to reflect on their feelings, especially in retrospective moments. For example, a character might say, 'I experienced a lot of fear during that time,' which can effectively convey their state of mind in a reflective context. However, as a narrative device, it should be avoided to maintain a deep connection with the character's emotions. When revising, ask yourself: If you remove 'experienced,' does the sentence still convey the intended emotion vividly and immediately? If so, the word was unnecessary.