Day 162: Change [have] + [be] +- ing expressions to the simple present or past tense.

This tip specifically refers to phrases such as had been running, has been watching, and have been eating.

These types of phrases are not direct. They are hard to visualize because the reader cannot form a mental image of an action that is on-going. Finally, they use a lot of words to express the idea, making the writing loose.

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Although sometimes you have to use these phrases to express an idea accurately, we recommend that you change them to the simple past or simple present whenever possible. Using the examples above, you could write ran, watches, and eat.

In most cases, making this change will force you to revise the sentence completely. The revised sentences will be more direct and more engaging. For example, consider these three sentences.

Sloppy, should be revised: “They had been eating for over two hours.”

Sloppy, but necessary: “When John arrived, they had been eating for over two hours.”

Direct: “They ate for over two hours.”