Transcript Narrative "to be" verbs

No more weak writing!
Apply the Power of
VERBS!!!
This is what I mean by the
PASSIVE VOICE…..
Definition: Using a “to be” verb with another verb.
Here is a list of “to be” verbs that get in the way of powerful writing…..
Is
Was
Am
Were
Are
Being
Been
Be
The boy was bitten by the dog.
The dog bit the boy.
The technique was employed by the
students.
The students employed the technique.
The story was written quite wonderfully.
The author wrote a wonderfully crafted
story.
Any time these words are used, you’re not
using a more powerful verb, thus weakening
the power of your writing.
Verbs….the ACTION of your
sentences…..unlock the energy and
excitement you have to offer to a reader.
No more wimpy words!!!
America was addressed by the President of the United States
Monday evening.
The President of the United States addressed the American people
Monday evening.
This dude’s muscles
are flexing and huge.
Notice how I use “are”
here…..it describes this
guy. It’s not bad, but
VERBS are better than
ADJECTIVES
Let’s describe him by
what he does instead….
This dude’s muscles
flex so largely that he
makes Rocky look like
Steve Urkel.
The jaguar is
silently stalking its
prey through the
field.
Not too hard to
fix….let’s try this:
The jaguar silently
stalks its prey
through the field.
Now it’s your turn…..
We’re going to examine some POWER
VERBS and practice eliminating stupid
“weak” verbs from our writing.