'was'

This is a demon word - it's dull, tells nothing and drags out a sentence. But we all use it, especially when feeling lazy.

It is, simply, the past tense of the verb 'to be', but there are so many other words that can be used - more specific words:

He was running - he ran...

I was hoping - I hoped...

You get the point.

So writers, before sending in your manuscripts please use the 'find' function to reconsider each use of 'was'. Readers will appreciate it.