That’s a silly question!

“To Be” verb or not “To Be” verb?

1. Mistakes were made. (Passive and BORING!

OR

2. I committed mistakes. (Active: Strong verb and subject does the action.)

Would you rather be the recipient of the action, or doing the action?

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

Tony is afraid of notebook checks.

Tony fears notebook checks.

First, change the “be” verb to a strong verb.

How can you replace “is”?

Billy is alarmed by the proximity of the shark.

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

• Alligators are mean.

• The alligator, angry at being disturbed, lurched

forward and swallowed the boy’s cat.

Second, eliminate “be” verbs by writing one or more showing sentences.

How can you change this to a showing sentence?

I am hungry.

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

• 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.

Finally, combine sentences to eliminate “be” verbs.

1. Trade papers with a neighbor.

2. Circle or highlight all of their “be” verbs. Give the paper back to its owner.

3. Apply the strategies you learned today to make your writing stronger.

4. Be prepared to share your revisions.

Now it’s your turn to “activate” your writing!