Revised Paragraph for TO-BE Verbs
Sixtony
TO-BEVERBELIMINATIONS1.pptModifying Sentences
(to-be verbs)
- An adult environment; that is what college is supposed to be.
- An adult environment: that is what college is supposed to be.
- Remember the rules for the semi-colon and the colon; they are quite different.
- Semi-colons should be used to separate two independent clauses.
- A colon is used to separate a sentence from a list.
- SEMI-COLON: An adult environment is what I expected in college; I was quite disappointed.
- COLON: I was disappointed by so many aspects of college: the expense, the entertainment, the dating opportunities.
- OPTIONS FOR ELIMINATING THE TO-BE VERBS IN THIS EXAMPLE
- An adult environment in college: I had unreasonable expectations.
- Colleges should offer an adult-like environment much elevated above that of high school; that has not been my experience.
- I experienced profound disappointment in the college environment and its lack of an adult climate.
- Like most freshmen entering college, I anticipated becoming involved in an environment emphasizing our adulthood.
Eliminating the “To-Be” Verbs
- The bar was dark.
- The bar’s lighting needed repair and lit the bar so poor that patrons could barely tell the difference between a bar stool and another customer.
Eliminating “To-Be” Verbs
- It is a dreary day.
- Dreary days like today cause me to feel depressed and less energetic than sunny days.
Eliminating “To-Be” Verbs
- I am not fond of being served red meat meals.
- Whenever someone serves me red meat at meal time, I become repulsed and fear I might actually vomit.
- My opposition to being served red meat has resulted in some uncomfortable situations with my host or hostess.
You think you know at least one situation you cannot modify? Your age?
Eliminating “To-Be” Verbs
- I am 18-years old.
- On March 1, I turned 18 years of age.
- On my next birthday, I will turn 25.
- My brother, two years younger than I, will turn 20 next Tuesday.
- This Friday I will celebrate my 20th birthday.
