We be; you be; all us folks be;

How come “to be” doesn’t act like a verb? It is probably the most used (and overused) verb in the English language — in its myriad forms: is, are, am, were, was, have been. With a verb like “to run”, we can cover the gamut: I run, you run, we run, etc. But not the verb “to be”. Grrrr!

Please avoid trying to push this round verb into a square sentence. It’s okay to write:

“I want to be a star.”
or “To be a star takes work.”
or ”You need talent to be a star.”

It is NOT okay to use this poor little rich verb in the following manner:

“When you’re a star, be it now or in two weeks…”
or “You are special, if you be understanding that.”
or “ When you be a star, you’ll know fame and fortune.”

Any writer who wants to become a star must understand the fine point usage notes concerning the verb “to be”. Got it?

What Do You Get “For Free”?

Where on earth did the idea come that you receive some things for free, rather than just free? You hear it on the media, even see it in print. Why use that preposition (for) when “free” is an upstanding, stable, reliable adjective or adverb? Free means “uncontrolled, without cost, unchained, unfettered”, and other such synonyms.

Of course there will be those who believe for free refers to the “without cost or charge” definition. Believe with me that extra words clutter up good writing, and offer your book “free” for three weeks, or offer a gift “free with purchase”, or offer your services “free to the first ten customers”.

Sloppy writers overuse prepositions. More cases in point (also in italics): “Jill tumbled down from the hill.” “Where should she have gone to?” “All of the king's men... ”, "Maizy set the plate down on the table.” “The plate fell off of the table.” And my least most awful unnecessary usage example: “These writers don’t know where it’s at.” (Boo! Hiss!)

Save Our Prepositions. Don’t overuse them!

Why Don’t You Believe Me?

Incredible! Unbelievable! I can’t believe it’s not true. Notice how these words are used.

1. He had an incredible body.
2. She was unbelievably gorgeous.
3. I can’t believe how cold it is.
4. Did that success you mentioned actually happen?
5. I am really happy for you.

Number 1 says “This guy had a body that no one would believe.” (Only a Schwartnegger could have that.)
Number 2 shows the woman as more gorgeous than anyone could comprehend. (Nobody can be that gorgeous.)
Number 3 shows your level of mentality, that you can’t believe 10-degrees below is cold. (Brrr! dammit!)
Number 4 questions your veracity. (“Are you lying?”)
Number 5 is a sarcastic way to say, “I may not look happy for you, but I am.” (Honestly, would I kid you?)

How often do you stretch belief with these words? Credible means “able to be believed”. Believable means “convincing or realistic”. Actually refers to “the truth or facts of a situation”. Really is another way to say that something is real, as opposed to a figment of the imagination. I find that many people use “really” as a way to say “but” (not so!) in order to cover up their disbelief that the speaker thinks something is so (I really like that color on you — but…). Ah, you remember that “but” generally negates anything that precedes it.