Day 207: Replace [be] + [adjective] + [preposition] phrases with action verbs.

No verb in the English language makes writing as lifeless as to be. Forms of to be include am, was, is, are, and were. These to be verbs prevent the author from describing actions. Instead, they describe a static state of being, which is why they are called “state of being” verbs. We advise writers to limit their use of to be.

One particularly troublesome use of to be verbs is the [be] + [adjective] + [preposition] construction. These phrases characterize stuffy, wordy, tedious writing. This construction results when writers change verbs into adjectives. As such, the adjective can be changed back into a verb, making the sentence more vigorous and active.

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Consider these examples of dull phrases and their active replacements.

is applicable to—applies to

is in agreement with—agrees with

is indicative of—indicates

is in possession of—possesses

is supportive of—supports

Your writing will be more vigorous because the sentences will emphasize the action verbs.