sensed

The word 'sensed' weakens prose by creating a barrier between the reader and the character's experience. It distances the reader from the emotional reality of the character. When you write 'She sensed fear,' you step outside the character's immediate experience, telling the reader what the character feels instead of allowing them to feel it alongside her. This undermines the immersive quality of deep point of view. Before: She sensed the tension in the air. After: A chill crept up her spine as she glanced at the clenched fists around her. Before: He sensed the anger in her voice. After: Her voice trembled, sharp and clipped, each word like a dagger. Before: She sensed something was wrong. After: A knot tightened in her stomach as she noticed the silence that followed his arrival. 'Sensed' can earn its place in dialogue, especially when characters express their awareness of an emotional atmosphere. For example, a detective might say, 'I sensed something was off about the case,' which reflects their professional instincts and fits the character's voice. In these cases, it serves to build character rather than dilute the narrative. When revising, ask yourself: If I remove 'sensed,' does the sentence still convey the character's experience vividly? If so, the word is likely unnecessary.