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 shouldnt play on the rock pile.
John tells Roy he shouldnt 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.)
Gabriel treats John unfairly and favors Roy.

You try:
After he leaves home without permission, Richard is found dead
in the river.

Situation #3: wh word (who, which, that) + be verb +

description
Solution: drop wh word and be verb
Examples:
Even though Roy disobeys, Gabriel blames John, who is the
older son.
Even though Roy disobeys, Gabriel blames John, the older
son.
John, who was born out of wedlock, receives the worst of
Gabriels wrath.
Born out of wedlock, John receives the worst of Gabriels
wrath.
You try:
John, who is named after several biblical preachers, cannot
speak his truth.
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 Zaroffs 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 children.
Elizabeth has established strict rules for her children but
only because she loves them and worries about their safety.
Wow! Look how much more complex and sophisticated your
writing can be when you avoid using BE verbs!
Isnt it exciting??