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To-be verbs (is, was, were, etc.) are an integral part of colloquial dialogue. In some cases, to-be verbs add color to a writer's voice, but for some beginners, it paves the way for a bland article as writers opt into to-be verbs instead of searching for stronger words.
This lesson plan provides a guide that students can use to replace to-be verbs with more powerful vocabulary in their writing.
WHAT TO-BE VERBS ARE:
To-be verbs describe a state of being or existence.
e.g.) am, is, are, was, were, be, been, become, etc.
*Skip if unnecessary.
EFFECT OF TO-BE VERBS:
Too many to-be verbs damage voice and lead to convoluted writing. Consequently, writers should replace to-be verbs with other alternatives. This also helps cut out empty words and enhance word economy.
HOW TO REMOVE TO-BE VERBS:
1. Replace to be verbs with bolder verbs
DON’T: His explanation is unclear and causes confusion among the team members.
DO: His explanation confuses the team members.
Sometimes, you may have to change the order of the sentence.
DON’T: The gelato is excellent.
DO: This ice cream shop serves delicious gelato.
2. To be verb + noun → bolder verb
DON’T: The gelato is excellent.
DO: This ice cream shop serves delicious gelato.
DON’T: "She was a teacher for many years."
DO: "She taught for many years."
3. Combine short, choppy sentences.
DON’T: The beach is beautiful. The sand is white. The water is clear. The sunsets are stunning.
DO: The beach boasts a beautiful setting with white sand, clear water, and stunning sunsets.
4. Replace there + to be verb/ that + to be verb.
DON’T: There are many parks in the city. There are playgrounds in the parks and walking trails in others. There are picnic areas in a few parks.
DO: The city’s many parks feature playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
The there + to be verb form delays or minimizes the subject and adds empty filler words. Stronger and more concise verbs allow for clearer writing. In most cases, you can cut ‘that + to be verb’ out with no other changes.
DON’T: He struggled with the paper that was assigned by the professor.
DO: He struggled with the paper assigned by the professor.
5. Progressive/continuous tense → present tense
DON’T: I am toiling over my homework.
DO: I toil over my homework.
REMINDER: BREAK RULES
Remind your students that these rules are just tips and guidelines for better voice. If an alternative that uses to-be verbs sounds better, then roll with the to-be verb.
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