1. Alex_Hartman

    Alex_Hartman New Member

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    Helping/Dead/"Be" Verbs

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Alex_Hartman, Aug 10, 2010.

    Do you ever consciously not use helping verbs (is, am, are, has, have, had, etc.) in your writing? It's a typical honors English class thing, it really does strengthen writing, but do people do it?

    I'm sure this has to have come up before, but it's been a while for me...
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Yes.
     
  3. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    of course...

    to be a good writer, one must consciously use [or not use] each and every word carefully, to say what is intended and to make the desired impact on readers...
     
  4. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

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    well wasn't doing it consciously, very little of my story is intially written with much conscious thought. I work at it and edit it to the way it sounds best. I often remove or add them depending on the character speaking or what plain looks/sounds best in places.
     
  5. zaffy

    zaffy Active Member

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    I try to cut them out as much as possible. However, Word gets upset. I presume insisting on a verb.
     

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