Word Choice Replacing “to be” Verbs

Word Choice Word Choice is the skillful use of language to create meaning. Careful writers seldom settle for the first word that comes to mind. Careful writers search for the “just right” word or phrase.

Word Choice A.E. Houseman said, “I do not choose the right word, I get rid of the wrong one.”

Joseph Conrad said, “My task...by the power of the written word is to make you HEAR, to make you FEEL...to make you SEE.”

Word Choice – “to be” verbs “to be” verbs –am –are –is –was –were –be –being –been –become

Replacing “to be” Verbs Alice was 10 minutes late for breakfast. Alice huffed to the breakfast table 10 minutes late, flung herself into her chair, and snagged the Wheaties.

The wind was strong. The wind fumed and shrieked about the house, yanking at the loose shingle.

The dog was big and mean. A hundred pound of snarling yellow fur launched itself from the porch, straining at a rope as thin as spaghetti.

Your Turn Choose one of the following “to be” sentences and rewrite it using strong verbs. –I was hungry. –Tom and Sue are happy. –He/She is a hottie. –We went shopping. –The game was awesome.

Active Verbs persuade influence operate install express transform argue create struggle evolve coach distinguish inquire resemble reflect impact develop administer tackle accomplish discuss challenge

Making the Connection “to be” verbs = telling active verbs = showing