Why should I replace “there is/are . . .”? October 30, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Editing, Style , trackbackIf you use there is/are frequently, your sentences may lack content. Check out these sentences: There are issues with transponders for highway tolls. One is privacy. There are ways to tell where your car has been.
Note that the first sentence has little content. The first two words are unimportant, and “issues” is vague. The next sentence names the content of privacy, but we’re still not sure about the attitude.
Changing the construction so that the sentence uses a strong verb improves the content: Transponders for highway tolls provide information about where your car has been. Is this invasion of your privacy an advantage or disadvantage and for whom?
Now all the words in the first sentence name something we can picture, something specific. The sentence now uses “provides” as a verb and requires that you (the writer) name what it provides. Now you have a good sentence!
Tip: As you edit circle “there is/are” and eliminate most. You will be pleased as you see your sentences come to life with action verbs and more content.
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