Rid Of Verbs Essay

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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.)…show more content…
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
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