Ending A Sentence With To Be

We've all been there: staring at a sentence, something feeling just a little off, a nagging sense that it could be better. Often, this unease stems from a subtle grammatical construction that, while not strictly incorrect, can weaken the impact and clarity of your writing. One such construction is ending a sentence with "to be."

Think about Yoda from Star Wars. While endearing, his atypical syntax, like ending sentences with prepositions or auxiliary verbs, is a quirk, not a model for clear communication. While you might not sound quite like a Jedi master if you end sentences with "to be," you may be unintentionally making your writing less direct and impactful. This article will delve into why avoiding this construction can improve your writing, when it might be acceptable, and how to rephrase sentences to achieve greater clarity and strength.

The Case Against Ending Sentences with "To Be"

Ending a sentence with "to be" often results in a passive and less informative statement. It can leave the reader wondering what exactly is or should be, creating a sense of incompleteness and ambiguity. The core issue is that the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) is a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames it. When a sentence ends with "to be," the descriptive or renaming element is missing, leaving the sentence hanging and less effective.

The problem is not that it's grammatically wrong to end a sentence with "to be." It's more that doing so often creates a weaker, less direct, and less informative sentence. Good writing aims for clarity and impact. Over-reliance on "to be" at the end of sentences can undermine these goals. It's a matter of style and effectiveness rather than a strict grammatical rule. Avoiding this construction forces you to be more precise and active in your writing.

Let's consider a few examples to illustrate this point:

Weak: The most important thing is to be.
Stronger: The most important thing is to be yourself.
Weak: The meeting is scheduled to be.
Stronger: The meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
Weak: My dream is to be.
Stronger: My dream is to become a doctor.

In each of these examples, the original sentence ending with "to be" feels incomplete. The revised sentences provide more specific information, making them clearer and more impactful. By adding the missing element that clarifies what is or should be, the sentences become stronger and more informative.

A Comprehensive Overview of "To Be" and Its Function

The verb "to be" is one of the most fundamental verbs in the English language. It serves several crucial functions, primarily as a linking verb and an auxiliary verb. Understanding these functions is key to recognizing when ending a sentence with "to be" might be problematic.

Linking Verb: As a linking verb, "to be" connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or renames the subject. For example:

She is a doctor. ("is" links "she" to the noun "doctor")
The sky is blue. ("is" links "sky" to the adjective "blue")
I am happy. ("am" links "I" to the adjective "happy")

When a sentence ends with "to be," it's often because the subject complement is missing. This omission creates the feeling of incompleteness. The reader is left wondering what the subject is or should be linked to.

Auxiliary Verb: "To be" also functions as an auxiliary verb, helping to form different tenses and voices. For example:

She is running. (present continuous tense)
The book was written by him. (passive voice)

In these cases, "to be" is part of a verb phrase and doesn't necessarily pose the same problem as when it's used as the final word in a sentence aiming to link a subject to a complement. However, even when used as an auxiliary verb, carefully consider whether the sentence could be made more direct and active. Passive voice constructions, which often rely on "to be," can sometimes be rephrased to be more active and engaging.

The history of "to be" is long and complex, tracing back to Proto-Indo-European roots. Its widespread use in English and other languages speaks to its fundamental role in expressing existence, identity, and state of being. However, its ubiquity also means it's easy to overuse, leading to weaker writing.

Consider the philosophical implications as well. The verb "to be" implies existence and a state of reality. Ending a sentence with it can, in some contexts, create a sense of profound ambiguity. What is? What will be? These questions can be compelling in philosophical discourse, but in most writing contexts, clarity and precision are more desirable.

The key takeaway is that while "to be" is an essential verb, its overuse, especially at the end of sentences, can lead to vague and less effective writing. Consciously monitoring your use of "to be" and actively seeking alternative constructions can significantly improve the clarity and impact of your communication.

Trends and Latest Developments in Writing Style

In contemporary writing, there's a growing emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and active voice. Readers are bombarded with information, and they appreciate writing that gets straight to the point. This trend has led to a greater awareness of how seemingly minor grammatical choices, like avoiding ending sentences with "to be," can significantly impact readability and engagement.

Data analysis of popular and effective writing consistently reveals a preference for active voice and direct sentence construction. Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid flag instances of passive voice and suggest ways to rephrase sentences for greater clarity. This reflects a broader movement towards data-driven writing, where analytics are used to optimize content for maximum impact.

Many style guides, including The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, advocate for concise and direct writing. While not explicitly forbidding ending sentences with "to be," these guides implicitly discourage it by emphasizing the importance of strong verbs and active voice. They encourage writers to choose the most precise and impactful words to convey their message.

Furthermore, the rise of online content and social media has further accelerated the trend towards concise writing. Attention spans are shorter online, and readers are more likely to skim than to read closely. This necessitates writing that is easily digestible and immediately engaging. Sentences that end with "to be" can often feel like a drag, slowing down the pace of the writing and potentially losing the reader's attention.

However, there's also a counter-trend that values stylistic variation and voice. Some writers intentionally use sentence fragments and unconventional constructions to create a specific effect. In such cases, ending a sentence with "to be" might be a deliberate stylistic choice. The key is to be aware of the potential impact of this construction and to use it purposefully, rather than out of habit.

Ultimately, the best approach is to be mindful of your writing style and to adapt it to your audience and purpose. While avoiding ending sentences with "to be" is generally a good practice, there may be situations where it's acceptable or even desirable. The key is to be intentional and to prioritize clarity and impact.

Tips and Expert Advice for Avoiding "To Be" at the End of Sentences

Here are some practical tips and expert advice on how to avoid ending sentences with "to be" and improve the clarity and impact of your writing:

Identify Sentences Ending in "To Be": The first step is to become aware of how often you use this construction. Read through your writing and highlight any sentences that end with "am," "is," "are," "was," "were," "be," "being," or "been." This will help you identify patterns in your writing and focus your efforts on rephrasing those specific sentences.

For example, if you frequently write sentences like "The answer seems to be," you can consciously look for alternative ways to express the same idea. This awareness is crucial for breaking the habit of ending sentences with "to be."
Add the Missing Information: Often, the simplest solution is to complete the sentence by adding the missing subject complement. Ask yourself what the subject is or should be linked to and provide that information explicitly.

Instead of writing "The goal is to be," try "The goal is to be successful," or "The goal is to be a leader." By adding the missing information, you create a more complete and informative sentence.
Rewrite in Active Voice: If the sentence is in passive voice, try rewriting it in active voice. This often eliminates the need for "to be" and makes the sentence more direct and engaging.

For example, instead of "The decision was made to be," try "The committee decided to..." This shift to active voice strengthens the sentence and eliminates the need for "to be."
Replace "To Be" with a Stronger Verb: Look for opportunities to replace "to be" with a more descriptive and active verb. This can add energy and impact to your writing.

Instead of writing "The result is to be seen," try "The result will be revealed," or "The result is evident." Choosing a stronger verb adds dynamism and clarity to the sentence.
Reorganize the Sentence: Sometimes, simply rearranging the words in a sentence can eliminate the need for "to be" at the end. Experiment with different sentence structures to find a more effective way to express your idea.

For example, instead of "The problem appears to be," try "It appears that the problem is..." or "The problem seems to be..." Sometimes, a simple rearrangement can make a big difference in clarity.
Consider the Context: While avoiding ending sentences with "to be" is generally a good practice, there may be situations where it's acceptable or even desirable. For example, in philosophical writing or poetry, ambiguity can be a stylistic choice. The key is to be aware of the potential impact of this construction and to use it purposefully.

If you're intentionally aiming for a certain effect, such as a sense of incompleteness or ambiguity, then ending a sentence with "to be" might be appropriate. However, in most cases, clarity and precision should be prioritized.

By following these tips and paying attention to your writing style, you can significantly reduce your reliance on ending sentences with "to be" and create more effective and engaging content.

FAQ About Ending a Sentence with "To Be"

Q: Is it grammatically incorrect to end a sentence with "to be"?

A: No, it's not grammatically incorrect. However, it's often stylistically weak. Ending a sentence with "to be" can make the sentence feel incomplete and less impactful. It's generally better to rephrase the sentence for clarity and strength.

Q: Why is it generally discouraged to end a sentence with "to be"?

A: Because it often leads to passive and less informative statements. The verb "to be" is a linking verb that connects the subject to a descriptive element. When a sentence ends with "to be," that descriptive element is missing, leaving the reader wondering what exactly is or should be.

Q: Are there any situations where it's acceptable to end a sentence with "to be"?

A: Yes, in some cases. For example, in philosophical writing or poetry, ambiguity can be a stylistic choice. Additionally, sometimes it might be difficult to rephrase a sentence without significantly altering its meaning. The key is to be aware of the potential impact and to use it purposefully.

Q: How can I identify sentences that end with "to be" in my writing?

A: Read through your writing and look for sentences that end with "am," "is," "are," "was," "were," "be," "being," or "been." These are all forms of the verb "to be" and indicate potential sentences that could be rephrased for clarity.

Q: What are some alternative ways to end a sentence without using "to be"?

A: You can add the missing information, rewrite in active voice, replace "to be" with a stronger verb, or reorganize the sentence. The goal is to provide more specific information and create a more direct and engaging statement.

Conclusion

Avoiding ending a sentence with to be is a valuable practice for enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing. While not a strict grammatical rule, it's a stylistic choice that can significantly improve the effectiveness of your communication. By being mindful of your use of "to be" and actively seeking alternative constructions, you can create more direct, engaging, and informative content. Remember to identify those sentences, add missing information, favor active voice, replace "to be" with stronger verbs, and reorganize when necessary.

Now, put these tips into action! Review a piece of your own writing and identify sentences ending in "to be." Try rephrasing them using the techniques discussed in this article. Share your before-and-after examples in the comments below and let's learn from each other! Practice makes perfect, and with conscious effort, you can master the art of crafting clear and impactful sentences.