Want to Write More Persuasive Briefs?

Dear Legal Writer, Want to write more persuasive briefs?

Use fewer “to be” verbs.

Here’s what I mean:

⬇️

There are 2 kinds of verbs:

1-ACTION verbs
2-TO BE verbs (also called, “state-of-being” verbs).

Action verbs express physical or mental action.
These verbs are considered “strong.”

—> Use more of them.

State-of-being verbs describe a condition or state.
Those verbs are considered “weak.”

—> Use fewer of them.

Here’s a list of WEAK verbs to avoid:

To be: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
To seem: seems, seemed
To become: becomes, became
To appear: appears, appeared
To feel: feels, felt
To remain: remains, remained
To exist: exists, existed

Just check out how the difference in verb choice:

1:

The defendant was in violation of the contract.
-v-
The defendant violated the contract. 👍

2:

The evidence is supportive of the plaintiff’s claim.
-v-
The evidence supports the plaintiff’s claim. 👍

3:

The testimony is contradictory to the physical evidence.
-v-
The testimony contradicts the physical evidence. 👍

⬇️

✔️ Action verbs paint a clearer picture.

✔️ Action verbs are more concise.

✔️ Action verbs simplify your syntax.

✔️ Action verbs propel your reader forward.

So, next time you’re drafting a brief, challenge yourself to hunt down those pesky “to be” verbs.

Inject your prose with more ACTION.

Give your arguments that extra persuasive punch.

Try it today!

💌 Amanda

#DearLegalWriter

🗳️ Do you try to avoid “to be” verbs when you write briefs?