To make your writing sound more alive, don’t use dull and impersonal expressions such as “it is”, “it was”, “there is”, “there was”. Not only do these carry little or no meaning but they also introduce unnecessary verbiage.
We can usually delete such expressions and reword the sentence (ideally using an active verb).
Example: There are many important issues at stake.
Improved: Many important issues are at stake.
Test yourself
Rephrase the sentence to remove the impersonal beginning and start with a meaningful subject.
1. There were certain actions taken by the new Government that greatly helped to unify the country.
2. There have been no Taskforce formal meetings this quarter.
3. There is a need for increased communication between the judiciary and the prison system.
4. It is suggested by the Committee that we request more funding.
5. It is essential that urgent measures be taken by the local authorities to prevent any flooding.
Suggested answer key
1. Some actions the new Government took greatly helped to unify the country.
2. No Taskforce formal meetings have taken place this quarter.
3. The judiciary and the prison system need to communicate more/better.
4. The Committee suggests that we request more funding.
5. Local authorities should take urgent measures to prevent any flooding.
Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
________________________________________________
Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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Carol’s memoir of her times at the United Nations, Behind the Flags, is available on Amazon and lulu.com
ISBN 9783952632703 Behind the Flags Amazon
9783952632710 Behind the Flags Black and White Version Amazon (Australia and Japan)
9783952632727 Behind the Flags lulu.com