Not "To Be": Avoiding "Is"

Is is an excellent word, but, in writing, "is" can significantly weaken your prose. In particular, avoid constructions like, "It is . . ." and "There is . . ." and, especially, my least favourite: "It is because. . ."

Seek, instead, to find a stronger construction, using a specific verb in the place of "is."

Visit the following resources for longer discussions on the verb "to be" in your writing, including practical suggestions for improvement.

Online Technical Writing: Weak Be-Verbs

Online Grammar Discussion of Verb "To Be"
(scroll down to "Unnecessary Uses of "To Be")

Rooting Out a Weak Element from Stories

 

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