“To Be” verb or not “To Be” verb? That’s a silly question!

Would you rather be the recipient of the action, or doing the action? 1. Mistakes were made. (Passive and BORING! OR 2. I committed mistakes. (Active: Strong verb and subject does the action.)

Here are strategies for eliminating “be” verbs to make your writing strong and active.

First, change the “be” verb to a strong verb. Tony is afraid of notebook checks. Tony fears notebook checks.

Billy is alarmed by the proximity of the shark. How can you replace “is”?

1. Billy motors away from the shark. 2 1. Billy motors away from the shark. 2. Billy, alarmed by the proximity of the shark, swims quickly the other way.

Second, eliminate “be” verbs by writing one or more showing sentences. Alligators are mean. The alligator, angry at being disturbed, lurched forward and swallowed the boy’s cat.

How can you change this to a showing sentence? I am hungry. How can you change this to a showing sentence?

The apple pie smells amazing The apple pie smells amazing. Hunger overtakes my senses and my stomach growls loudly.

Finally, combine sentences to eliminate “be” verbs. She is being mean. My feelings are hurt. As she verbally attacks me, I feel tears spring to my eyes, and a knot grows in my stomach.

Now it’s your turn to “activate” your writing! Trade papers with a neighbor. Circle or highlight all of their “be” verbs. Give the paper back to its owner. Apply the strategies you learned today to make your writing stronger. Be prepared to share your revisions.