Be Verbs

STEWART PIDD
Hates English
Grammar, Punctuation, and Writing Exercises
Sample Exercises
Stewart Pidd Hates English

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Part 6
Be Verbs
Passive Voice/Active Voice
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Verbs: Abstract and Concrete
Verbs can express precise action, or they can convey nothing.
Concrete verbs are verbs packed with meaning:
slashed, ripped, shredded, glided
Be verbs, in contrast, are abstract words that connect subjects to other elements in the
sentence but give very little information to the reader
is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been
Though be verbs tell very little, they effectively link one concept to another.
Concept Concept
Active verbs are verbs that show action.
They are also useful when defining a concept.
Concept Definition
Fear is a painful emotion.
Be Verb
Be verbs are not evil, but inexperienced writers unconsciously overuse them. Using strong
verbs creates clarity and economy. The writing becomes more forceful and easier to read. By
taking the time to replace abstract verbs with concrete verbs during the revision process, you
drastically improve the readability of a paper.
Leaning to recognize certain verb patterns makes eliminating be verbs easier.
Common Be Verb Patterns
Progressive Tense Subject Compliments
I am sauntering He is the personification
Expletives Passive voice
There were things he wanted. A mistake was made.
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Abstract and Concrete Verbs
Concrete verbs express precise action. Abstract verbs convey very little information. Be
verbs are the most abstract.
Direction: assign a value to each verb from abstract to concrete.
1 2 3
abstract concrete
EXAMPLE
moves races is
2 3 1
1. speak explain am
2. swims was dog paddles
3. am punches fights
4. flies are glides
5. exercises surfs being
6. been visualize think
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Be Verb Elimination: Progressive Tense
Progressive tense describes an unfinished action.
I am skipping.
The progressive form consists of a be verb followed by a present participle (an -ing verb).
Progressive tense be verbs are the easiest to eliminate. Simply replace the be verb and the
present participle with the simple tense form of the participle.
I am skipping.
I skip.
Directions: replace the be and the present participle with the participle’s simple tense form.
The simple tense verb should be the same tense as the be verb.
1. Stewart is spelunking at the Ludville Caverns.
Stewart at the Ludville Caverns.
2. Like a pig, Mr. Metaphor was eating everything in sight.
Like a pig, Mr. Metaphor everything sight.
3. Donna and Beau were arguing again.
Donna and Beau again.
4. Beau Gus Sr. is closing down Bad Burger so he can eat whatever he wants.
Beau Gus Sr. down Bad Burger so he can eat whatever he wants.
5. Ditch and Camper are taking tap dancing lessons.
Ditch and Camper tap dancing lessons.
6. Ninny was running on the treadmill outside of the trailer.
Ninny on the treadmill outside of the trailer.
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Be Verb Elimination: Subject Compliments
Instead of using a subject and an active verb, inexperienced writers will use a subject, a be
verb, and a subject compliment (an adjective, noun, or noun phrase that describes or
renames a subject).
Stewart Pidd is gross.
Subject compliments are useful if you want to rename or describe the subject; however, you
can often eliminate the be verb by rephrasing compliment, using its verb form.
Stewart grosses me out.
The verb form of the noun “grosses” replaces the be verb “is.”
Directions: revise the sentences by eliminating the be verbs and changing the compliment
that follows into a verb.
1. Yip-Yip was the cause of the Ludville Rangers’ unfortunate break up.
Yip-Yip the Ludville Rangers’ unfortunate break up.
2. Mr. Muffins is the light of Sid Pidd’s life.
Mr. Muffins Sid Pidd’s life.
3. Stewart and Mr. Metaphor were losers in the game of love.
Stewart and Mr. Metaphor the game of love.
4. Little JJ is the seller of fanny packs, fine sea shell jewelry, and firearms.
Little JJ fanny packs, fine sea shell jewelry, and firearms.
5. Big Willa proved to be an overwhelming force against the other dead lifting competitors.
Big Willa the other dead lifting competitors.
6. Beau Gus is a good player of the game.
Beau Gus the game .
7. Donna Rama is the possessor of a perfect facial bone structure.
Donna Rama a perfect facial bone structure.
8. Donna Rama’s crazy mama is the epitome of high drama.
Donna Rama’s crazy mama high drama.
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Be Verb Elimination: Expletives
Expletives are empty words (it is and there are) used to fill out a sentence. Simple revisions
can often eliminate expletives.
Expletive structure
It is Donna who made the fertilizer statue for the Hootenanny.

It is Donna who made the fertilizer statue for the Hootenanny.
Eliminating the expletive makes the sentence more concise.
Donna made the fertilizer statue for the Hootenanny.
Revised sentence: passive voice and the expletive eliminated.
Directions: eliminate the expletives.
1. It was Ranger Encantado who tried to run me over in her four-wheeler.
tried to run me over in her four-wheeler
2. There was a misunderstanding between her and me.
and each other.
3. Actually it was she who misunderstood me.
Actually misunderstood me.
4. There were the damages that the ranger station sustained due to my carelessness.
damages due to my carelessness.
5. There are some expensive dog toys Sid wants to buy for Mr. Muffins.
to buy some expensive dogs toys for Mr. Muffins.
6. It is said that good things come to dogs who wait.
come to dogs who wait.
8. I admit it! It was I, Stewart Pidd, who stole the dog cookies from Mr. Muffins!
I admit it. stole the dog cookies from Mr. Muffins!
9. There are grave consequences that will result when Sid finds out.
When Sid finds out, grave consequences .
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10. It was a car that hit Reckless Ron while he played slaughter ball on the freeway.
Reckless Ron while he played slaughter ball on the freeway.
11. There is a clown who never learns.
never learns
12. It is my opinion that my dream of being a top underwear model may be just a dream.
may be just a dream.
13. There is the fact that the town does not like me anymore.
like me anymore
Review
1. Be verbs are (abstract/concrete) verbs that connect subjects to other elements in the
sentence but give very (much/little) information to the reader.
2. (Concrete/abstract) verbs express precise action.
3. The progressive form consists of a be verb followed by a (present/past) participle
4. Writers can eliminate progressive tense be verbs by replacing the be verb and the
present participle with the simple tense form of the participle.
5. A subject compliment is an adjective, noun, or noun phrase that describes or renames

a (subject/verb).
6. With subject compliments, you can often eliminate the be verb by rephrasing the
subject compliment with its (noun/verb) form.
7. Expletives are empty words (it, there, is, are) used to fill out a sentence.
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Be Verb Elimination: From Passive Voice to Active Voice
Passive voice and active voice are subject-verb patterns.
Like be verbs, passive voice is useful for certain instances (i.e., when the receiver of the
action is more important than the actor or if the writer wishes to bury blame), but many writers
unknowingly use the passive voice instead of active voice.
The passive-voice pattern consists of a subject, a be verb, and a past participle verb.
Subject Past participle
The wave was slashed by Beau.
Be verb
With passive voice, the subject is not the actor in the sentence. The actor either the object of
preposition or not named.
Subject Actor
A lie was told by Creep.
A lie was told. Actor not named
Active voice differs from passive voice because with active voice, the subject is also the
actor.
Subject/Actor Verb
Juan Zit found Jack Scat dead.
The subject “Juan Zit” acts by finding the monkey Jack Scat.
The same sentence written in passive voice:
Subject Actor
Jack Scat was found dead by Juan Zit.
Jack Scat is not taking action. The actor (the object of the preposition), Juan Zit finds Jack.
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Be verbs, and Past Participles and Objects of Prepositions: Things You Need to Know
Be verbs (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been) function as helping verbs and
linking verbs.
Directions: plug a be verb into the following sentences. Vary your word choice.
1. I told Yip-Yip that he funny--funny looking!
2. I was ironic.
3. Now we no longer speaking.
4. We had friends since the first grade.
5. Yip going away to dentist school.
6. We will friends in another life.
Past participle verbs are verbs that end in -ed, -en, or are in an irregular form.
played, slashed, mistaken, chosen, strung, and drunk
Verbs that follow the helping verb have (had) are always in the participle form
I have played I had strung
Directions: find the correct participle form of a verb by plugging the verb into the sentence.
Note: the past tense form and the past participle form are often the same.
Base form verb Past participle form
play I have played .
1. teach I have .
2. spin I have .
3. fall I have .
4. squirm I have .
5. lay I have .
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Finding the actor in the passive voice
With the passive voice the actor is not named or the object of the preposition, usually by.
An object of a preposition is a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun that follows the
preposition.
Actor is the object of the preposition by.
A treadmill generator was built by Sid Pidd.
Sometimes the objects of the prepositions are not the actors.
The treadmill was built for Ninny. Actor not named
The treadmill was built with care. Actor not named
Directions: underline the object of the preposition and determine whether it is the actor in the
sentence. Circle object of the preposition/actor not named.
1. The surfboard was snapped on the beach. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
2. The surfboard was snapped by the wave. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
3. The surfboard was snapped. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
4. The curse was given to the Luds. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
5. The syrup was drunk by Canyon Joe. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
6. The ill-fated Peruvian surf trip was taken by

Donna Rama’s father, Bahama Rama. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
7. The outdated maple syrup was drunk by

Canyon Joe. (object of the preposition/actor not named)
Review
1. With active voice, the actor is the .
2. With passive voice, the actor is either not named or the of

a preposition, usually .
3. The passive voice pattern consists of a subject, a verb, a
participial.
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Identifying Parts of the Passive Voice Structure
Directions: identify 1) the subject, 2) the be verb, 3) the past participle, and 4) the actor in the
following passive voice sentences. If the actor is not named write NN in the blank.
EXAMPLE
The doorbell was rung by someone.
Subject The doorbell The be verb was
The past participle rung The actor someone
1. The trailer door was opened by Stewart.
Subject The be verb
The past participle The actor
2. A package had been left by Mailbag Millie.
Subject The be verb
3. A note was attached.
Subject The be verb
4. The note was addressed to Stewart.
Subject The be verb
5. The package was opened.
Subject The be verb
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6. A CD had been placed inside.
Subject The be verb
7. The new CD had been released by the Bomb Dogs.
Subject The be verb
8. The CD is filled with many enchanting melodies.
Subject The be verb
9. Stewart Pidd is truly moved by the music.
Subject The be verb
10. A vow is made by Stewart to never sell out.
Subject The be verb
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From Passive to Active
You can convert from the passive voice to the active voice by performing the following steps.
Step 1: identify the past participle that follows the be verb.
Passive: A Corvette is bought by Coach Testosterone.
Step 2: identify the actor.
Step 3: make the actor the subject.
Active: Coach Testosterone buys a Corvette
Step 4: use the present tense form of the past participle for the main verb.
Passive voice, actor not named
Step 1: identify the past participle that follows the be verb.
Passive: A mistake was made.
Step 2: add an actor and make the actor the subject.
Active: Juan Zit made a mistake.
Be sure the active voice sentence is the same tense as the passive voice sentence.
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From Passive to Active
Directions: identify 1) the past participle, 2) Identify the actor, 3) rewrite the sentence making
the actor the subject and the past participle the main verb in the sentence.
If the actor is not named in the sentence, add an actor.
EXAMPLE
The doorbell is rung by someone.
Past participle: rung Actor: someone
Someone rings the doorbell.

Actor/subject present tense form of the past participle
1. The trailer door was opened by Stewart.
Past participle: opened Actor:
the trailer door.

Actor/subject past tense form of the past participle
2. A small package is left by Millie the Maladjusted Mail lady.
Past participle: Actor:
a small package.
Actor/subject present tense form of the past participle
3. A note was written on the box by Mailbag Millie.
a note on the box.

4. A prize was hidden inside by the Bomb Dogs.
a prize.
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5. It was chosen by Stewart.
it.
Actor/subject Past tense form of the past participle
6. The new CD had been released by the Bomb Dogs
had the new CD.

Actor/subject past participle
7. The CD is filled with many enchanting melodies.
the CD with many enchanting melodies.

Actor/subject Present tense form of the past participle
8. Stewart Pidd is truly moved by the music.
Stewart Pidd.
9. A vow is made by Stewart to never sell out.
to never sell out.

Review
1. With passive voice, the past participle follows the verb in the sentence.
2. Circle the past particle in the sentence: A mistake was made.
3. The following sentence is an example of (passive voice/an expletive):

There were the Ludville Maggots who taught Stewart how to run
away in the face of danger.
4. The following sentence is an example of (passive voice/a subject complement):
The baby Stewart was peevish and capricious.
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Directions: underline the passive voice and circle the be verbs.
Pidd 1
Stewart Pidd
Doctor Testosterone
English 13
6 April 2006
The Monkey War: An Allegory
A statement was made by the head monkey that there
are not enough bananas for all the monkeys because the
monkeys are eating too much. It is this statement that
proves his ignorance. He is a representation of every
dumb monkey in the jungle. It is the people who are
eating all the bananas! People are what created the
banana shortage. Of course, we are recognized by Dip and
his crew as just dumb monkeys. A knife is put through my
heart by this idea. Why are we always fighting each
other?
Be Verb Patterns
I am sauntering He is the personification
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Directions: rewrite Pidd’s essay eliminating the be verbs and passive construction.
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Pidd 2
We clever monkeys should be working together for the
good of all monkeys who are suffering. The problem could
be solved by the monkeys if they would stop being so
selfish. A selfish monkey is a hungry monkey; a dumb
monkey is a hungry monkey. I am frustrated by this
situation. It is true that I have been feeling this way
for a long time. We monkeys are going to have to be better
monkeys if we wish to be victorious. There is only one way
that we are going to solve the banana problem: eat bugs.
Be Verb Patterns
I am sauntering. He is the personification.
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Directions: rewrite Pidd’s essay eliminating the be verbs and passive construction.
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Directions: fill in the blanks to complete the paragraphs analyzing Pidd’s be verbs errors.
Error 1: passive voice
Pidd writes in the voice without a good reason: “A statement
was made by the head monkey . . .” (1). The subject in the sentence is “ .”
The actor in the sentence is . The past participle is “ .”
The subject does not perform the action in the sentence. Pidd can change the sentence to
the active voice by making the ,“ ,” the subject.
Error 2: expletive
Pidd uses an expletive without a good reason: “It is this statement that proves his
ignorance” (1). Expletives are words. The abstract pronoun and
the abstract be verb “ ” offer nothing to the sentence. Pidd can fix the statement by
eliminating the expletive structure and the subordinating conjunction “ .” The
revised sentence reads, “
.”
Error 3: subject compliment
Pidd uses a subject compliment instead of an active verb: “People are what created the
banana shortage” (1). He can eliminate the be verb by taking the verb “ ”
from noun phrase and making that the main verb followed by the object “
shortage.”
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Essay 4
Be Verbs
Directions: using the essay “Pour Poor Porky” as evidence, argue that Pidd makes the
dubious claim of having mastered be verb usage. To complete the essay, perform the
following tasks:
1. Find and mark the errors in Pidd’s essay.
2. Classify his errors.
3. Write your body paragraphs using the paragraph templates.
4. Write your introduction and conclusion.
5. Write a creative title using a verbal irony.
6. Peer review the essay.
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TASK 1: identify the five be verb errors in Stewart’s essay: subject compliment, expletive
structure, progressive tense, passive voice, and subject compliment.
Pidd 1
Stewart Pidd
Doctor Testosterone
English 13
5 May 2005
Pour Poor Porky
Young Milton Melville loved his pet rat,
Little Porky. One day after returning from his tap
dancing class, a horrified Milton found Porky
dead. Evidently, his brother Herman’s cat had
broken into Porky’s cage and attacked poor Porky,
pulverizing him and stealing his cheese. Milt’
literally had to pour poor Porky out of his cage.
The tragic death of little Porky was the
inspiration for the song “Too Many Rats, Not
Enough Cheese,” my favorite song.
It is a Saturday when I hear the song on the
BeauGus Radio Network. Melville, the Dog’s lead
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Pidd 2
singer, is screaming,
Darwin was right/it’s like a disease/all the
fittest cats do what they please/you ain’t got
game get down on your knees/too many rats and
not enough cheese.
As usual, the Dogs kill it. Then, the next thing I
know, Teedee Jr., the announcer for Bad Burger
starts talking over Sal Manila’s writhing-spider
guitar solo in his funny DJ voice.
A mistake is made by Melville by licensing his
song to Bad Burger for its Mad Cow Cheeseburger
promotion. That old, saggy rocker dude should have
known better. Making a cool song into a radio
jingle is the personification of everything lame
in Ludville today.
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“The tragic death of Little Porky, was his inspiration for the
song ‘Too Many Rats, Not Enough Cheese’ . . .” (1).
Error 2: expletive structure
Error 3: progressive tense
Error 4: passive voice
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Directions: fill in the blanks.
Template 1: subject compliment
Pidd is the users of a subject compliment instead of the
active voice. He is writing, “The death of Little Porky was
Milton’s inspiration for the song ‘Too Many Rats, Not Enough
Cheese’ . . .” ( 1 ). The be verb “ was ” and the subject compliment
“his inspiration” are used by Pidd. The subject complement and
the be verb can be replaced with the compliment’s past tense
verb form, “ inspired .” The sentence can be revised to read, “The
death of Little Porky inspired Milton to write the song ‘Too Many Rats,
Not Enough Cheese’. . . .”
REVISION TIPS FOR ELIMINATING THE BE VERBS IN THE TEMPLATES
Sentence 2: remove the be verb and replace the present participle with its present tense
form.
Sentence 3: use the present tense form of the past participle and make the object of the
preposition the subject.
Sentence 4: use the present tense form of the past participle, add a modal helping verb
and an actor (people make the best actors).
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Sample Paragraph
Directions: revise the paragraph eliminating the be verbs. Use the revision tips from the
previous page.
Pidd uses a subject compliment instead of the active voice.
He writes, “The death of Little Porky, was Milton’s inspiration
for the song “Too Many ‘Rats, Not Enough Cheese’ . . . ”(1).
Pidd uses the linking verb “was” and the subject compliment
“his inspiration.” Pidd can replace this subject complement
and the be verb with the compliment’s past tense verb form
“inspired.” Pidd can revise the sentence to read, “The death
of Little Porky inspired Milton to write the song ‘Too Many Rats,
Not and Not Enough Cheese’. . . .”
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Template 2: expletive structure
Pidd is the user of an expletive when he mentions the first
time he hears the advertisement: “It is a Saturday when I hear
the song . . .” (__). The pronoun “______” and the abstract be
verb “_________” are used by Pidd. It is Pidd who can fix the
error by rephrasing the sentence, omitting the expletive
structure “____________________________,” and making the
subordinate clause “_____________________________” into an
_____________________________ clause. The revised sentence
can be written to read, “__________________________________
___________________________________________________. . . .”
REVISION TIPS FOR ELIMINATING THE BE VERBS IN THE TEMPLATES.
Sentence 1: eliminate the be verb and replace the subject compliment with its verb form.
Sentence 2: make the object of the preposition the actor in the first sentence. Replace
past participle with its present tense verb form.
Sentence 4: eliminate the expletive structure and the pronoun “who.”
Sentence 5: add an actor (who should revise the sentence?). Use the present tense form
of the past participle.
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Template 3: progressive tense
The progressive tense is used unnecessarily: “Milton Melville,
the Dog’s lead singer, is screaming . . .” (__-__). The be verb
“___________________” and the present participle
“___________________” are used by Pidd. The be verb can be
eliminated by replacing the present participle
“__________________________________” with its singular base
form, “__________________________.” It is for Pidd to correct
the error by writing,______________________________________
_______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________. . . .”
REVISION TIPS FOR ELIMINATING THE BE VERBS IN THE TEMPLATES
Sentence 1: add an actor (who should revise the sentence?). Replace past participle with
its present tense verb form.
Sentence 2: make the object of the preposition the actor in the first sentence. Replace
past participle with its present tense verb form.
Sentence 3: add an actor. Replace past participle with its present tense verb form.
Sentence 4: eliminate the expletive structure and replace the infinitive phrase with a verb.
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Template 4: passive voice
Passive voice is used unnecessarily by Pidd in the following
quotation: “A mistake is made by The Bomb Dogs . . .” (__).
The subject of the sentence is the phrase “_________________,”
but the actor of the sentence is the band ____________________
This error can be fixed by eliminating the be verb “___________,”
replacing the past participle “______________” with its present
tense form “______________,” and making the object of the
preposition, “___________________,” the subject. The sentence
can be written to read, “__________________________________
___________________________________________________. . . .”
REVISION TIPS FOR ELIMINATING BE VERBS IN THE TEMPLATES.
Sentence 1: make the object of the preposition the actor and replace past participle with
its present tense verb form.
Sentence 2: make the phrase “a mistake” the subject followed by the verb functions.
To eliminate the second be verb use verb perform and make Melville the actor.
Sentence 3: add an actor and replace past participle with its present tense verb form.
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Template 5: subject compliment
A be verb and a subject complement are used in place of an
active verb: “Making a cool song into a radio jingle is the
personification of everything lame . . .” (__). The linking be verb
“ ” and the subject compliment “the _____________”
are used. The subject complement and the be verb can be
replaced with the compliment’s verb form,
“____________________________.” The sentence can be written
to read, “_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________. . . .”
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Directions: write an introduction and conclusion using the prompts below.
Outline
Paragraph 1 Introduction
1. What are the be verbs and what do they do effectively?
2. Are be verbs abstract or concrete?
3. A writer can eliminate a be verb from a subject compliment by doing what to a subject
compliment?
4. What are expletive structures and how can writers eliminate them?
5. What type of patterns are active voice and passive voice?
6. The passive-voice pattern consists of what parts of speech?
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7. How active voice does differ from passive voice?
8. Why should writers use active voice?
9. When should writers use passive voice?
10. At what stage of the composition process should writers eliminate be verbs?
Cite the authors of the text (Pollitt and Baker [page numbers]).
11. Thesis question: Is Pidd’s claim of having mastered be verb elimination dubious?
Why is this claim dubious? (Use his essay “Pour Poor Porky” as evidence).
Stewart Pidd’s claim of
because
.
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Conclusion: Integrate a famous quotation.
Claim: Franklin’s quotation pertains to Pidd’s be verb essay:
Quotation: “Well done is better than well said.”
Write down key words from the claim and the quotation.
1. 2. 3.
Commentary: Explain why or how the quotation pertains to Pidd and his essay. Use
keywords from the claim (Pidd’s be verb essay) and quotation. Consider Pidd’s thesis. Avoid
writing, “Franklin’s quotation pertains to Pidd’s be verb essay because . . .” in your
commentary.
Rewrite the claim, the quotation and the commentary and use them for you conclusion.
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Using Verbal Irony to Create a Title
Verbal Irony is the use of words for their opposite literal meaning.
If the topic of an essay is your boring summer, an ironic title would be “My Exciting Summer.”
Exciting is the opposite of boring. You do not mean exciting; you mean boring.
Directions: generate ironic titles for the following subjects.
1. Topic: Stewart’s performance on his essay
Verbal irony: Job, Stewart
2. Topic: Stewart’s failure to master be verb Elimination
Verbal irony: Stewart Pidd, Be Verb
3. Topic: Stewart’s performance in Coach T’s class in relation to other students
Verbal irony: Coach T’s Student
Title Practice
Directions: generate more titles using verbal irony.
1.
2.
3.
40
Be Verb Peer Review
Peer reviewer’s name
Directions: exchange papers. Work through the checklist. Write YES or NO in the blanks.
Mark the errors on the actual text.
1. Correct MLA format ________
2. Creative Title Using Verbal Irony? _________

(the opposite of words literal meaning)
I Introduction
1. Has the writer answered all of the definition questions? ________
2. Has the writer included the parenthetical citation citing the authors? ________
Writers should eliminate be verbs in the final stages of the

revision process (Pollitt and Baker Page #).
3 Has the writer included the thesis at the end of the paragraph
containing Pidd’s full name and the name of the essay? ________
II Body paragraphs: Analyzing Pidd’s Be Verb Errors
Expletive structure (Template 2)
1. Has the writer removed the be verbs from the template? ________
2. Has the writer correctly cited Pidd’s quotation? ________
“Quotation . . .” (1).
3. Does the writer identify the parts of the expletive structure? ________
4. Does the writer clearly explain how to fix the sentence? ________
5. Does writer use the ellipsis marks correctly in the revised sentence? ________
“Quotation. . . .”
Progressive tense (Template 3)
“Quotation . . .” (1-2).
41
3. Does the writer identify the be verb and present participle? ________
Passive voice (Template 4)
3. Does the writer name the subject and the actor? ________
4. Does the writer explain how to eliminate the passive construction? ________
Subject compliment (Template 5)
3. Does the writer identify the be verb and the subject compliment? ________
4. Does the writer explain how to eliminate the be verb? ________
III Conclusion
1. Has the writer avoided using In conclusion? ________
2. Has the writer used an appropriate claim? ________
3. Has the writer integrated keywords and phrases from the claim and quotation?
________
42
Works Cited Page
1. Is the Works Cited page formatted like the model (page 320)
2. Is the header ½ inch from the top of the page, with the writer’s last name
and page number aligned right? ________
3. Is the Works Cited heading one inch from the top of the page. ________
4. Are the citations alphabetized? ________
5. Is there a period at the end of each entry? ________
6. Is the citation from the website correct? ________
7. Is the citation from book correct? ________
8. Is the citation from Pidd’s essay correct (check)? ________
Miscellaneous – check the entire paper
1. Has the writer avoided contractions and second person point-of-view shifts?
________
43

Be Verbs

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STEWART PIDD

Stewart Pidd Hates English

Attack The Text Publishing

Concrete verbs are verbs packed with meaning:

slashed, ripped, shredded, glided

is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been

Active verbs are verbs that show action.

They are also useful when defining a concept.

Fear is a painful emotion.

Leaning to recognize certain verb patterns makes eliminating be verbs easier.

Common Be Verb Patterns

Progressive Tense Subject Compliments

I am sauntering He is the personification

Expletives Passive voice

There were things he wanted. A mistake was made.

Direction: assign a value to each verb from abstract to concrete.

2. swims was dog paddles

4. flies are glides

5. exercises surfs being

6. been visualize think

1. Stewart is spelunking at the Ludville Caverns.

Stewart at the Ludville Caverns.

2. Like a pig, Mr. Metaphor was eating everything in sight.

Like a pig, Mr. Metaphor everything sight.

3. Donna and Beau were arguing again.

Donna and Beau again.

5. Ditch and Camper are taking tap dancing lessons.

Ditch and Camper tap dancing lessons.

6. Ninny was running on the treadmill outside of the trailer.

Ninny on the treadmill outside of the trailer.

Stewart Pidd is gross.

Stewart grosses me out.

Yip-Yip the Ludville Rangers’ unfortunate break up.

2. Mr. Muffins is the light of Sid Pidd’s life.

Mr. Muffins Sid Pidd’s life.

3. Stewart and Mr. Metaphor were losers in the game of love.

Stewart and Mr. Metaphor the game of love.

Little JJ fanny packs, fine sea shell jewelry, and firearms.

Big Willa the other dead lifting competitors.

6. Beau Gus is a good player of the game.

Beau Gus the game .

7. Donna Rama is the possessor of a perfect facial bone structure.

Donna Rama a perfect facial bone structure.

8. Donna Rama’s crazy mama is the epitome of high drama.

Donna Rama’s crazy mama high drama.

It is Donna who made the fertilizer statue for the Hootenanny.

Directions: eliminate the expletives.

1. It was Ranger Encantado who tried to run me over in her four-wheeler.

tried to run me over in her four-wheeler

2. There was a misunderstanding between her and me.

and each other.

3. Actually it was she who misunderstood me.

Actually misunderstood me.

damages due to my carelessness.

to buy some expensive dogs toys for Mr. Muffins.

6. It is said that good things come to dogs who wait.

come to dogs who wait.

I admit it. stole the dog cookies from Mr. Muffins!

When Sid finds out, grave consequences .

Reckless Ron while he played slaughter ball on the freeway.

11. There is a clown who never learns.

may be just a dream.