Get Rid of the Word Was

Get Rid of the Word Was
Saturday, January 25, 2025 by Cindy K. Sproles

By Andrea Merrell

As writers, there are words we have to be aware of that weaken our writing. Some call them weasel words. Words like that, just, really, suddenly … the list could go on and on.

But lately, I’ve noticed another little weasel that keeps burrowing its way into good stories: the word was. We use it frequently when we talk, and it’s hard to avoid in our writing, but the word is passive and telling, much like were and had. It will also wear on your readers when overused.

Here’s an example:

Her emotions played a mean tug-of-war. There was no wife. He was good looking. He was funny. He was kind and considerate. Still, this man was a complete stranger. Was he asking her on a date or was he concerned about her from a professional standpoint? Either way, dinner was a totally irrational idea, and she was way out of her comfort zone. But he was a pastor, for goodness sake. Didn’t that make him trustworthy? Was it worth the risk?

Here's one example for a quick fix:

Her emotions played a mean tug-of-war. No wife. Definitely good looking. Funny. Kind and considerate. Still, this man was a complete stranger. Could he be asking her on a date or just expressing concern from a professional standpoint? Either way, dinner seemed a totally irrational idea and would pull her way out of her comfort zone. But he was a pastor, for goodness sake. Didn’t that make him trustworthy? Maybe it would be worth the risk.

The rewrite eliminated every instance of was except two. When you catch words such as this in your writing, it’s time to get creative. Here are a couple more examples:

When he saw her, his grin was from ear to ear.

When he saw her, his grin stretched from ear to ear.

Just as I was reaching out to grip the door handle, I saw that my neighbor was walking across the lawn with an angry scowl.

Just as I reached out to grip the door handle, I saw my neighbor walking across the lawn with an angry scowl.

There was no turning back, but he would have to be patient. With what was at stake, he was willing to wait as long as it took.

No turning back now, but he would have to be patient. With such high stakes, he would wait as long as it took.

Read through your WIP and see if you can spot this little weasel. Then spend some time creatively getting rid of it.

Photo 1 Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay Photo 2 – annekarakash and Pixabay.com

Comments

Flora From Virginia At 1/27/2025 3:21:45 PM

I appreciate the clear examples of "the fix." Very helpful.

Reply by: Asheville Christian Writers Conference

Glad they were helpful. Andrea does regular blogs on thewritingedge.

Maureen From Waynesville, NC At 1/26/2025 3:02:58 PM

Very helpful article! Thank you! I

Reply by: Asheville Christian Writers Conference

Glad you enjoyed it.

Jessica Ferguson From Louisiana At 1/26/2025 9:12:48 AM

Wonderful article, one of the best I’ve read on making sentences active by doing away with “was.” And thank you for providing excellent examples—more than one. I’ll be keeping this piece and referring to it often.