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Try not to begin a sentence with This, Here is, There is, There are, or It is. These roundabout expressions indicate distance from your position and make your statement less definitive. Weak openings usually result from writing before you think - hedging until you figure out what you want to say.


WEAK: There are many ways in which we can change our current monetary system.

STRONG: Our monetary system can be changed. 


WEAK: Here is how we can make a change: create ways to make counterfeiting more difficult.

STRONG: We should invest in anti-counterfeiting methods.


WEAK: This serious situation ought to be attended to right away.

STRONG: The financial crisis should be attended to right away.

Chapter 4a(5): Active Voice