Verb Challenge

Our second challenge this month, to go with the SURE Challenge (see previous post), is the Verbs Challenge.

Write something following these verb rules:

• No "to be" verbs
• No unhelpful helping verbs
• No adverbs
• No buried verbs

Actually, it's probably easier to write something just trying to follow those rules but then revise the piece.

Remind me, what are the "To Be" verbs we can't use?
Let's conjugate!

infinitive: be
past tense: was, were
present participle : being
past participle: been
present tense: am, are, is (I am, they are, she is)

What are Helping Verbs again?
Here's a good explanation of helping verbs. Have, Be, Do, Can .... these are helping verbs. They have no meaning of their own and are used only to help the main verb in the sentence. Remember, you can use some helping verbs but only ones that are actually helpful. Don't just throw them in there for the fun of it.

Just for the heck of it, What's a adverb?
Adverbs modify verbs: Rachel spoke quickly. Quickly is the adverb telling us how Rachel spoke-- for this exercise we want to say Rachel prattled, or Rachel blurted. Find verbs that don't need help to convey your meaning.
Adverbs can also modify adjectives: It's a strangely orangish bird. Strangely tells us that this bird wasn't just orange, the orange was a strange orange.

Okay, but what's a Buried Verb?
I have my suspicions. Suspicions is a verb that has been buried in a noun. Instead let's say: I suspect.
Buried verbs end in -ment, -tion, -sion, -ful, or -ance.
Don't have investments, invest.
Don't make commitments, commit.
Don't be joyful, rejoice.

After all, "I hope you enjoy this challenge" is much clearer and easier to read than " I am really hopeful that you will have enjoyment when working on this challenge."