by Sue Tornai

When we write with passive verbs, we make our stories boring. Effective writers weed out forms of  the verb "to be" by choosing more active verbs.

Passive Verbs: is, am, are, were, has, had, will be, will have been, has been, had been, would (should, could) have been, being, to be.

Examples:
Instead of "Camouflage fatigues are worn by soldiers in war zones," write "Soldiers in war zones wear camouflage fatigues.

Instead of  "Susan seems to be an accurate news reporter," write "Susan reports the news accurately."

Instead of  "The discussion will be led by Sandra Johnson," write "Sandra Johnson will lead the discussion."

Instead of  "There are many women who become doctors," write "Many women become doctors."

For more information click here: http://www.ccis.edu/writingcenter/documents/passive.html