How to Get Rid of to BE Verbs

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??