This document discusses the importance of using strong, precise verbs in writing to clearly convey meaning. It recommends limiting the use of linking verbs like forms of "be" to 3-4 per paragraph, as they weaken writing and create passive voice. Passive voice obscures meaning by making the subject receive rather than perform the action. The document provides examples of changing passive voice to active voice and techniques for eliminating linking verbs, such as finding an action verb in the sentence and making it the subject. It also lists other weak verbs that should be used sparingly.

1. Weak Verbs
Composition

2. Excellent writers use powerful, precise, mature verbs to
convey meaning clearly.
Use strong, precise action verbs in your own writing.
Using Strong Verbs

3. ● Linking verbs weaken your writing and should be used
sparingly (3-4 per paragraph).
○ Forms of Be: is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being
Linking Verbs

4. PASSIVE VOICE
● Linking verbs create sentences that are passive, unclear, less direct,
and wordy.
○ In sentences written in passive voice, the subject receives the action
expressed in the verb; the subject is acted upon.
● Examples:
○ Passive: The boy was bitten by the dog.
■ Active: The dog bit the boy.
○ Passive: It was discovered that endorphins are released when you run.
■ Active: Scientists discovered that our bodies release endorphins
while running.

5. ELIMINATING LINKING VERBS
● To eliminate linking verbs and passive voice:
○ Find a word in the sentence that could be turned into an action
verb.
○ Then ask who or what is performing the action and make that the
subject.
■ You may have to infer a sensible subject and add it to your sentence if
there is no subject already stated.
○ Not all sentences are easy fixes, and some sentences will be awkward if you
try to eliminate the linking verb.
■ Remember, you get to use 3-4 linking verbs / paragraph.

6. Verbs That Express Condition
● You can NOT replace a linking verb with another verb to correct them.
● If you can replace a verb with a linking verb, it is a verb that expresses
condition and is still a linking verb.
● Linking Verbs That Express Condition: look, smell, feel, sound, taste,
grow, appear, become, seem, remain
○ The popcorn tasted salty = The popcorn is salty.
○ The day seemed so long = The day was long.

7. CHANGING TO ACTIVE VOICE
Change the following sentences to active voice.
1. The book is being read by over half the class.
2. Results will be published in the next issue.
3. A policy of whitewashing and cover-up has been pursued by
the CIA director.
4. Biology is interesting to me.

8. Other Weak Verbs
● has, have, had
● gave/give
● made/make
● go/goes/went
● get/got
● do/does/did
● put
● says
● came/come
● show/shows