Liven up your writing by avoiding the verb “to be”
Nothing makes for duller reading than the overuse of the simple verb “to be”.
It lacks life, can’t be visualized and goes with poor style such as unnecessary passive voice, nominalizations, emphatic phrases and empty beginnings, as in the examples below.
Use the hidden dynamic verb. Rephrase the sentences and wake up your readers.
- The demonstrators were dispersed by the police. (Make active voice)
- There are many things we need to consider: … (Be concrete)
- What is important to note is that agreement was reached at the meeting so we have the green light. (Remove emphatic expression and passive voice)
Answer key
- The police dispersed the demonstrators.
- We need to consider the following: ….
- Now that we have reached an agreement at the meeting, we can proceed.
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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