Editing:Weak to Strong Verbs

Verbs (Forms of “Be”): Do not over-rely on forms of the verb “be” (is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being) as your main verb. Also, replace weak verbs such as has and seems.

Examples:

Weak verb: PROGRAM is a caution to pet owners to be aware for the safety of their animals.

Strong verb: PROGRAM cautions pet owner to be aware for the safety of their animals.

Weak verb: There are few people who spend significant amounts of money to enhance the look of their wheels.

Strong verb: Few people spend significant amounts of money to enhance the look of their wheels.

Directions: The main verb is underlined in each sentence. If I have highlighted another word, I’m suggesting that you revise to turn it into the main verb.

  1. The advertiser’s point was to convey the convenience of shopping online.
  1. The most noticeable evidence in the advertisement issatirical on how most American males focus their lives

around material objects, especially electronic objects.

  1. She also has black shades covering her eyes. Although she is barefoot she has nail polish on.
  1. Cologne and perfume are the type of products that can affect how comfortable people can be around each other.
  1. It was one of those typical publications showing people having fun with the underlying message that the use of

this product will bring good results.

Avoid overusing form of “be” as auxiliary verbs. An auxiliary verb is one added to the main verb to “help” it.Overuse of auxiliary verbs dilutes the power of your sentences.

Examples:

Auxiliary verb: These photos are captivating because you can see how controversies arise and how our social structure affects the way we view different physical features of others.

Strong verb: These photos captivate us because they show us how controversies arise and how our social structure affects the way we view different physical features.

6. This advertisement is intended to hook the reader’s attention since no product is being displayed.

  1. In the advertisement, what the author tries to do is catch the eye of a certain crowd.
  1. What the author thinks is that the world today is built around athletics, and no matter who you are you are competing in some sort of sport.