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Avoid the verb To Be, editing, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong Verbs, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips
Yesterday we looked at ways to avoid using the present tense of the verb “to be.” Today, let’s reflect on the past. The past tense of “to be,” that is.
I know, I know . . . you all know the forms of the past tense of “to be,” but here you go anyway:
I was
We were
You were
He was
She was
It was
They were
Who was
I was sitting at my computer waiting for inspiration to hit.
Same thing happens to me.
While I stared at my blank computer screen, my fickle mistress Madame Inspiration, was on a date with someone else.
~~~~~
When we were finished reading Robin’s manuscript, our book group banned her for life.
Aw . . . how sad.
We read Robin’s manuscript and sent it to Mr. Pulitzer for consideration for next year’s prize.
~~~~~
She was surprised when she received a rejection notice from Mr. Pulitzer
Really? Is she delusional?
Robin framed the rejection notice from Mr. Pulitzer because he was kind enough to add a handwritten note at the bottom that said, “Your novel would make good kindling.”
~~~~~
It was a shock to Robin when she realized he meant her novel would make good kindling to start a fire, not that the book is Kindle-worthy.
No need for lighter fluid!
Robin smashed the framed rejection letter when she realized he dissed her, not complimented her.
Sorry!
Reblogged this on Kathie Brown Summary.
I’m struggling. Struggling! Each one I come across I have to think about. And I’m groaning even more as I see each new weak word post go up. But do know that I really appreciate the help. I wouldn’t have known the problems in my novel otherwise.
“To be” is a hard one. It comes in so many different forms . . . I am, we are, I was, they were, etc. “To be” hides!
I groan as well when I come across a new weak word to write about. But oh . . . the positive impact the changes make in my novel. Funny, slightly sentences that I couldn’t seem to fix before, now read much better with these subtle clean-ups.
So glad you are finding the series helpful . . . and groan-worthy!
Brilliant, as always! I just love your humour, Robin! 🙂 (Can you tell that I’m still catching up on my blog reading?! SHOCKING how slow I am!)
I’m tickled you circled back to mine!
Of course! I wouldn’t ever miss your post entirely, I felt terribly that I had to many to catch up on (I have 330 messages in my inbox – what happened, Kate?!). I love your blog! 🙂
Yikes! 330?!?! While visiting family I was away from reading blogs for 4 days. I tried to catch up when I got home. IMPOSSIBLE! I gave up, ticked them all, closed my eyes, and hit delete. I felt like a trader, but there was NO WAY I could catch up.
However, I am so glad you didn’t delete me! I would miss you and your sweet comments.
Lol, I have to admit, there were ones that I just had to delete… *shh, don’t tell anyone!* 😉 I may have to do that again…
I have a question. You know the other day when you posted and the title was a number? Quite often posts come through like that – is that an untitled post or is the number significant and I’m missing the point?! I’m a bit silly…! 🙂
Your secret is safe with me.
From what I can tell, when you reblog someone’s post WP gives it a number. However, I also think if someone doesn’t title their post (I always do) it comes through as a number.
Sooo guilty of this one. 🙂
I think we all are. Rats.
Wait, what words can I use?
I believe you filled your book with them~!
And the ones I shouldn’t have…
Another great tip to remember! Thanks!
Thanks again Judith!
I said recently, words are leaving me tongue-tied. My hands are anxious to fill in the blanks.
I know the feeling Tess. I know.
So many of these words have stealthy crawled into novels and now we look at them as old friends. I have so much work to do.
We don’t see such words but when we get rid of them, the feel of the sentences are much better.
Sometimes we need it. Often we don’t. But “was” sneaks in everywhere. It’s appropriate in a couple of your revisions. 🙂 Separating the good from the bad can be difficult, though!
Yup. Can’t get rid of all of the “to be”s.
Blach, I hate was. Who knew one little three letter word could be so much trouble. The little creep.
Excellent discriptor for “was.” He is a creep indeed. Did you see my post about “it?” A TWO-LETTER word that gives as much or more trouble. Blach.
Hi,
Poor Robin. 😀
Pity party for me . . . my place . . . 6:00. Cocktails will be served.
Will be there, Cocktail dress all ready to wear, just need someone to pick me up. 😀
I’ll send a limo over.
Yessss. This is one of my biggest pitfalls when I’m writing. Next time I’m editing, I should keep track of how many “was”es and “were”s I end up taking out, because I bet it’s pretty staggering. It’s definitely one of those things I’ve become very aware of lately.
I’m with you on this. I started with 385(!) “was”es and whittled them down to 136. I bet I can get rid of more but my eye’s started to cross and I stopped.
lol
I crack myself up. Tee hee!
This is a tough one for sure. I just finished reading a novel–best-seller, traditionally published–and there was so much use of the word “was” that it was noticeable. And if a best-selling novelist does it, it’s easy to see why it’s so challenging for the rest of us. 🙂
“To Be” sneaks in when we aren’t looking!