How to Get Rid of TO BE Verbs
Situation #1:
“be” verb + -ing verb
Solution: drop “be” verb and change the form of
the –ing verb to agree with the
subject
Example:
John is telling Roy he shouldn’t play on the rock
pile.
John tells Roy he shouldn’t play on the rock pile.
You try:
When Elizabeth stands up for John, Gabriel is
looking at her as if he hates her.
Situation #2: passive voice – “be” verb + verb in
the past participle (tense)
Solution: ask who or what is performing the action
of the verb and make that word the subject of the
sentence; drop the “be” verb and change the form of
the main verb to agree with the new subject
Example:
John is treated unfairly and Roy is favored.
(Gabriel is doing the treating.)
Gabriel treats John unfairly and favors Roy.
You try:
After he leaves home without permission, Richard is
found dead in the river.
Situation #3: “wh” word (who, which, that) + “be”
verb + description
Solution:
drop “wh” word and “be verb
Examples:
Even though Roy disobeys, Gabriel blames John, who is
the older son.
Even though Roy disobeys, Gabriel blames John, the
older son.
John, who was born out of wedlock, receives the worst
of Gabriel’s wrath.
Born out of wedlock, John receives the worst of
Gabriel’s wrath.
You try:
John, who is named after several biblical preachers,
cannot speak his truth.
Situation #4:
there + “be” verb
Solution: drop there and the “be” verb and
look for the real subject of the sentence; then
think of a better, more active verb
Examples:
There are many differences between John and Roy.
Many difference distinguish John and Roy from one
another.
There are many similarities between Rainsford and
Zaroff.
Rainsford and Zaroff share many similarities.
You try:
There are many biblical meanings beneath the
characters’ names.
Situation #5:
your basic “be” verb as the main verb
Solution: get creative with your verbs and revise
the sentence! (see “Interesting Verbs” list)
Examples:
Elizabeth is equally forgiving and loving toward both
of her sons.
Elizabeth demonstrates love and forgiveness to both
of her sons equally.
The climax is when Rainsford jumps off the cliff to
escape the general.
In the climax, Rainsford jumps off the cliff to
escape the general.
Another example of Zaroff’s uncivilized side is the
collection of heads he keeps.
In addition, Zaroff displays his uncivilized side by
showing Rainsford his newest collection of heads.
And now, for the big finale…
Elizabeth is a strict but loving mother to her
children.
Elizabeth has established strict rules for her
children but only because she loves them and worries
about their safety.
Wow! Look how much more complex and sophisticated
your writing can be when you avoid using BE verbs!
Isn’t it exciting??