EDITING OUT TO-BE-VERBS

"To Be" Verb Editing Strategies

TO EDIT OUT TO-BE VERBS, TRY SWITCHING FROM PASSIVE TO ACTIVE VOICE.

Once Jem was introduced by Scout, the flashback began to unfold. -- PASSIVE VOICE

   Since the action is done by Scout, make her the subject. Flip the sentence around.

   Once Scout introduced Jem, the flashback began to unfold. -- ACTIVE VOICE


TO EDIT OUT TO-BE VERBS, TRY MAKING A DIFFERENT WORD THE MAIN VERB:

She is content to babysit tonight.

   Make the infinitive (to babysit) the main verb.

   She contentedly babysits tonight.

   Contentedly, she babysits tonight.

Scout is relieved to be going with Jem to the courthouse.

   Make the present participle (going) the main verb.

   Relieved, Scout goes with Jem to the courthouse.

She is moving closer.

   Make the present participle (moving) the main verb.

   She moves closer.


TO EDIT OUT TO-BE VERBS, TRY ELEVATING THE DICTION.

She was interested, but he arrived first.

   She exhibited interest, but he arrived first.

   Regardless of her interest, he arrived first.

   She asserted her interest, but he arrived first.

   She showed interest, but he arrived first.

   Her interest grew, but he arrived first.

   Despite her interest, he had arrived first.