I'm ranting on another thread "predictably" flogging a dead horse, so I thought to do something we may all benefit from, suggest rather simple thing.
I'm in a middle of a reasonably interesting tale,do not want to abandon it because of a small detail, really.
There are two verbs that have been used 376 times! REALIZE and RECOGNIZE. The English language, with all modesty, is one of the richest languages know to us.
For my way of thinking it is not just a sign of poor vocabulary, but a sign of laziness as well.
So I propose, to all word-smiths if I may, next time when you write or rewrite a story, make an effort and use a wast range of verbs that are available to you and substitute for those two above.
I venture to say, we'll all be richer for it.
Cheers.