Dead Verbs

What is a dead verb?

• Boring, overused words that don't add meaning to sentences that should be changed.

• Verbs that are literally dead.

• No clue!

• Verbs that we should use more in our writing.

What is the dead verb in this sentence?

Mary was a teacher who loved her job.

• Mary

• was

• a

• teacher

What is the dead verb in this sentence?

Josh has been late ten times already.

• Josh

• has been

• late

• already

How could you rewrite this sentence without the dead verb?

The mountains are large.

• The mountain was a great sight.

• The mountains large.

• The mountains have been a cool sight to see.

• The large mountains shocked me by their vastness.

Which is not an example of a dead verb?

• are

• is

• pricked

• have

How would you rewrite this sentence to get rid of the dead verb?

He is fast running the race.

• He ran fast.

• He quickly sprung into action as the race began, passing his opponents.

• He is fast.

• Running a race you have to be fast.

Which is not an example of a dead verb?

• was

• were

• am

• dodged

Check all the dead verbs listed below.

• is

• was

• danced

• sang

• have

What is the dead verb in this sentence?

My cat has soft fur.

• my

• cat

• fur

• has

• soft

Change this sentence so that there is no longer a dead verb.

The tacos were yummy.