Common Editing Mistakes: Overusing 'To Be' Verbs

Are you an aspiring author crafting your first sci-fi epic or a seasoned writer polishing a romantic fantasy? One editing mistake we often see at Thoth Editing is the overuse of “to be” verbs—like is, was, are, and were—which can make your prose feel flat or passive. In this post, part of our editing mistakes series, we’ll explore why overusing these verbs weakens your writing, how to replace them with vivid alternatives, and when they’re okay to use. Let’s make your story come alive!

What Are 'To Be' Verbs?

“To be” verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) are linking verbs that describe existence or states. While essential in some cases, overusing them can lead to vague, telling-heavy prose that lacks energy. For example, “The forest was dark” tells readers the state but doesn’t paint a picture. In genres like fantasy or romance, where immersion is key, strong verbs create a more engaging experience.

Why Overusing 'To Be' Verbs Hurts Your Writing

Relying too much on “to be” verbs can:

• Weaken Prose: They often lead to passive or static descriptions, reducing impact.

• Distance Readers: Telling instead of showing breaks immersion in fantasy or sci-fi worlds.

• Signal Amateurism: Overuse can make writing feel unpolished, a red flag for publishers or readers.

• Limit Creativity: They miss opportunities for vivid verbs that reflect your voice.

With over a decade editing best-selling novels, Thoth Editing knows vibrant prose is crucial for captivating readers. Let’s dive into how to fix this mistake.

Common Issues and Fixes for 'To Be' Verb Overuse

Using a romance novel about a stargazer, Aria, and a poet, Cal, we’ll highlight three issues and their solutions.

1. Static Descriptions
   Issue: Using “to be” for descriptions creates flat, telling prose that lacks sensory depth.
   

   The night was beautiful. Aria was excited. The stars were bright.

   Fix: Replace “to be” with vivid verbs and sensory details to show the scene.
   

   The night shimmered with starlight. Aria’s heart raced with anticipation. Stars blazed overhead.

   Tip: Use verbs like “gleamed,” “surged,” or “danced” to evoke imagery, especially in romance.

2. Passive Voice
   Issue: “To be” often leads to passive constructions, where the subject receives the action, weakening agency.
   

   The poem was written by Cal. It was loved by Aria.

   Fix: Switch to active voice by making the subject perform the action, eliminating “to be.”
   

   Cal crafted the poem. Aria cherished it.

   Tip: Look for “was” + past participle (e.g., “was written”) and rephrase for action.

3. Overused in Dialogue Attribution
   Issue: Using “was” in dialogue tags or beats makes character interactions feel static.
   

   “I love the stars,” Aria was saying. Cal was nodding.

   Fix: Replace with action beats or stronger verbs to show character emotion and movement.
   

   “I love the stars,” Aria said, gazing upward. Cal nodded, his eyes warm.

   Tip: Use beats like “gestured” or “smiled” to convey mood without “was.”

Tips for Reducing 'To Be' Verbs

• Search and Replace: Use your word processor to find “is,” “was,” etc., and assess each instance.

• Choose Strong Verbs: Swap “was running” for “sprinted” or “was angry” for “seethed” to add energy.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of “The room was cold,” write “Frost clung to the windows, chilling her fingers.”

• Study Masters: Read authors like Tessa Dare (romance) or Neil Gaiman (fantasy) for dynamic prose.

When to Keep ‘To Be’ Verbs: They’re fine for concise statements (e.g., “She is a mage”) or dialogue for authenticity (e.g., “It’s true,” he said). Aim to reduce, not eliminate, using them in ~20% of sentences.

How Thoth Editing Can Help

Vivid prose sets your novel apart, and Thoth Editing is here to make it sparkle. Our copyediting and line editing services replace weak “to be” verbs, enhance voice, and ensure your story captivates. With a nearly 100% client return rate and experience with best-selling authors, we’re your partner from draft to publication. Ready to energize your writing? Contact us today :)

Struggled with “to be” verbs? Share your tips or questions in the comments. Let’s craft vibrant prose together!