Stronger Sentences for TOEFL & IELTS Writing: Avoid Weak Openings

1. Introduction to Writing Stronger Sentences

Many TOEFL and IELTS candidates write grammatically correct sentences but still fail to achieve high scores. Why? Because their sentences lack power and impact. A common reason is the overuse of weak sentence openings such as “There is”, “There are”, “There was”, “There were”, “It is”, and “It was”.

This lesson will teach you a quick and effective technique to transform these weak structures into strong, impactful sentences. By making this simple change, you can:

• Improve your grammar score through better sentence structure
• Enhance your vocabulary score by using stronger verbs
• Make your writing more concise and persuasive
• Stand out as a more advanced writer

Basic Principle

Weak Opening	Strong Alternative
There is a lot of information in the book.	The book contains a lot of information.
It is the director who decides.	The director decides.
There are many benefits to online classes.	Online classes offer many benefits.

Word Meaning Section

Word / Phrase	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Weak opening	an ineffective way to start a sentence	দুর্বল সূচনা
Strong verb	a precise, action-oriented verb	শক্তিশালী ক্রিয়া
Dummy subject	“there” or “it” used with no real meaning	অর্থহীন কর্তা
Impactful	having a strong effect	প্রভাবশালী
Concise	short and clear	সংক্ষিপ্ত

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2. The Problem with Weak Sentence Openings

Sentences beginning with “There is/are/was/were” or “It is/was” are not grammatically incorrect, but they are considered weak and lazy. They hide the real subject of the sentence and rely on the weak verb “to be” instead of an action verb.

Why These Openings Are Weak

Weakness	Explanation
Hidden subject	The true subject is buried later in the sentence.
Weak verb	“Is”, “are”, “was”, “were” carry little meaning.
Wordiness	The sentence becomes longer than necessary.
Lack of precision	The meaning is less direct and less forceful.

8 Examples of Weak Sentences

#	Weak Sentence	Explanation
1	There is a lot of useful information in that book.	Uses “There is” and weak verb “is.”
2	There are several benefits to online classes.	Starts with “There are.”
3	It is the director who makes the final decision.	Uses “It is” and a relative clause.
4	It was low sales that forced them to close.	Uses “It was” and a cleft sentence.
5	There are many reasons for the problem.	“There are” plus weak “are.”
6	It is important to study regularly.	“It is” plus infinitive.
7	There were many people at the event.	“There were” with weak “were.”
8	It is clear that the policy has failed.	“It is” plus adjective clause.

Word Meaning Section

Word / Phrase	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Wordiness	using more words than needed	শব্দবাহুল্য
Precision	exactness and clarity	নির্ভুলতা
Direct	straight to the point	সরাসরি
Lazy writing	writing that avoids effort	অলস লেখা

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3. The Solution: Find the Real Subject and Strong Verb

The key to writing stronger sentences is to identify the real subject of your sentence and place it at the beginning. Then, replace the weak “to be” verb with a strong action verb.

Steps to Transform a Weak Sentence

1. Identify the real subject (the person, thing, or idea the sentence is about).
2. Place that subject at the beginning of the sentence.
3. Choose a precise action verb that expresses the relationship clearly.
4. Add the remaining details.

8 Examples of Weak → Strong Transformations

#	Weak Sentence	Strong Sentence	Explanation
1	There is a lot of useful information in that book.	That book contains a lot of useful information.	Subject “that book”; verb “contains.”
2	There are several benefits to online classes.	Online classes offer several benefits.	Subject “online classes”; verb “offer.”
3	It is the director who makes the final decision.	The director makes the final decision.	Subject “the director”; verb “makes.”
4	It was low sales that forced them to close.	Low sales forced them to close.	Subject “low sales”; verb “forced.”
5	There are many reasons for the problem.	Many reasons explain the problem.	Subject “many reasons”; verb “explain.”
6	It is important to study regularly.	Regular study is important.	Subject “regular study”; verb “is” (still improved by removing dummy “it”).
7	There were many people at the event.	Many people attended the event.	Subject “many people”; verb “attended.”
8	It is clear that the policy has failed.	Clearly, the policy has failed.	Subject “policy”; adverb “clearly.”

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Transform	to change completely	রূপান্তর করা
Identify	to recognize or find	সনাক্ত করা
Precise	exact	সুনির্দিষ্ট
Relation	connection	সম্পর্ক

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4. Replacing “There is / There are” with Strong Verbs

When a sentence begins with “There is” or “There are”, the real subject usually follows the verb. By moving that subject to the front and choosing an appropriate action verb, you create a stronger sentence.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Weak Sentence	Strong Sentence	Action Verb
1	There is a lot of information in the book.	The book contains a lot of information.	contains
2	There are several benefits to online classes.	Online classes offer several benefits.	offer
3	There are many reasons for the problem.	Many reasons explain the problem.	explain
4	There were many people at the event.	Many people attended the event.	attended
5	There is a clear solution to the issue.	A clear solution exists.	exists
6	There are several challenges facing new businesses.	New businesses face several challenges.	face
7	There was a significant increase in sales.	Sales increased significantly.	increased
8	There are many factors that influence success.	Many factors influence success.	influence
9	There is a need for better infrastructure.	Better infrastructure is needed.	needed (passive)
10	There are many ways to improve writing.	Many ways can improve writing.	can improve

Word Meaning Section

Verb	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Contain	to hold or include	ধারণ করা
Offer	to provide	প্রদান করা
Explain	to make clear	ব্যাখ্যা করা
Attend	to be present at	উপস্থিত থাকা
Exist	to be present	বিদ্যমান থাকা
Face	to confront	মোকাবিলা করা
Increase	to become larger	বৃদ্ধি পাওয়া
Influence	to affect	প্রভাবিত করা

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5. Replacing “It is / It was” with Strong Subjects

Sentences starting with “It is” or “It was” often use a cleft structure or an impersonal “it.” By finding the real subject and moving it to the front, the sentence becomes more direct and powerful.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Weak Sentence	Strong Sentence	Explanation
1	It is the director who makes the final decision.	The director makes the final decision.	Subject “director” moved to front.
2	It was low sales that forced them to close.	Low sales forced them to close.	Subject “low sales” moved to front.
3	It is important to study regularly.	Regular study is important.	Subject “regular study” moved to front.
4	It is clear that the policy has failed.	Clearly, the policy has failed.	Adverb “clearly” placed first.
5	It is hard to define luck.	Luck is hard to define.	Subject “luck” moved to front.
6	It was John who broke the window.	John broke the window.	Subject “John” moved to front.
7	It is essential to prepare well.	Good preparation is essential.	Subject “preparation” moved to front.
8	It is the government that must act.	The government must act.	Subject “government” moved to front.
9	It is obvious that he is lying.	Obviously, he is lying.	Adverb “obviously” first.
10	It was the weather that caused the delay.	The weather caused the delay.	Subject “weather” moved to front.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Essential	very important	অপরিহার্য
Obvious	easily seen or understood	স্পষ্ট
Obviously	in a way that is easy to see	স্পষ্টতই
Define	to explain the meaning of	সংজ্ঞায়িত করা

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6. Using Advanced Adjectives like “Myriad”

In addition to restructuring sentences, you can strengthen your writing by using advanced adjectives. One impressive word is “myriad”, which means “countless” or “a very large number of.”

8 Examples Using “Myriad”

#	Sentence with “Myriad”	Explanation
1	Living in a big city offers myriad advantages.	“Myriad” replaces “many.”
2	There are myriad factors that determine success.	More concise: “Myriad factors determine success.”
3	The project faced myriad challenges.	Strong verb “faced.”
4	Students encounter myriad distractions.	Precise verb “encounter.”
5	The policy has myriad implications.	Strong subject “policy.”
6	Myriad opportunities exist for skilled workers.	“Myriad” at the beginning.
7	The internet provides myriad resources.	Action verb “provides.”
8	Myriad studies support this theory.	Subject “studies” with strong verb “support.”
9	The report highlights myriad issues.	Verb “highlights.”
10	Myriad people attended the concert.	Subject “people” with verb “attended.”

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Myriad	countless; very many	অগণিত; অসংখ্য
Implications	possible effects or results	প্রভাব; ফলাফল
Distraction	something that takes attention away	মনোযোগ বিভ্রাট
Opportunity	a chance	সুযোগ

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7. Grammar Focus: Comparing Weak and Strong Structures

Weak Structure

There + be verb + (real subject) + additional information
It + be verb + (real subject / clause)

Strong Structure

Real Subject + strong verb + object/complement

Tense Variations

Tense	Weak Example	Strong Example
Present simple	There is a problem.	A problem exists.
Past simple	There was a mistake.	A mistake occurred.
Present perfect	There have been many changes.	Many changes have occurred.
Future simple	There will be a meeting.	A meeting will take place.
Modal	There may be an answer.	An answer may exist.

Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative Forms

Form	Weak	Strong
Affirmative	There are many benefits.	Many benefits exist.
Negative	There are not many options.	Few options exist.
Interrogative	Are there any solutions?	Do any solutions exist?
Affirmative	It is the manager who decides.	The manager decides.
Negative	It is not the manager who decides.	The manager does not decide.
Interrogative	Is it the manager who decides?	Does the manager decide?

5 WH-Question Examples with Answers

#	WH Question (Strong Form)	Possible Answer
1	What does the book contain?	The book contains a lot of useful information.
2	What do online classes offer?	Online classes offer several benefits.
3	Who makes the final decision?	The director makes the final decision.
4	What forced them to close?	Low sales forced them to close.
5	How can luck be defined?	Luck is hard to define.

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8. Sentence Patterns for Strong Writing

Pattern 1: Subject + Action Verb + Object

Example	Explanation
The book contains information.	Subject “book” + verb “contains” + object “information.”
Online classes offer benefits.	Subject “classes” + verb “offer” + object “benefits.”
Low sales forced closure.	Subject “sales” + verb “forced” + object “closure.”

Pattern 2: Subject + Action Verb + Complement

Example	Explanation
Effective students display key characteristics.	Subject “students” + verb “display” + complement.
Parents influence their children.	Subject “parents” + verb “influence” + object.
Myriad factors determine success.	Subject “factors” + verb “determine” + object.

Pattern 3: Adverb (Strong) + Subject + Verb

Example	Explanation
Clearly, the policy has failed.	Adverb “clearly” first.
Obviously, he is lying.	Adverb “obviously” first.
Undoubtedly, the plan will work.	Adverb “undoubtedly” first.

Pattern 4: Subject + Strong Verb + Prepositional Phrase

Example	Explanation
Sales increased significantly.	Subject “sales” + verb “increased” + adverb.
New businesses face several challenges.	Subject “businesses” + verb “face” + object.
The project encountered myriad obstacles.	Subject “project” + verb “encountered” + object.

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9. Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Error 1: Using “There is/are” unnecessarily

Weak	Strong
There is a need for improvement.	Improvement is needed.
There are several options available.	Several options exist.

Error 2: Using “It is” with a delayed subject

Weak	Strong
It is John who called.	John called.
It was the rain that stopped us.	The rain stopped us.

Error 3: Using a weak verb instead of a specific verb

Weak	Strong
There is a problem with the plan.	The plan has a problem. (Still weak, better: The plan encounters a problem.)
Better: The plan faces a problem.	Better: The plan encounters a problem.

Error 4: Forgetting to move the subject to the front

Weak	Strong
There are many people who like pizza.	Many people like pizza.
It is important that you attend.	Your attendance is important.

Error 5: Overusing “myriad” as a cliché

While “myriad” is powerful, do not overuse it. Use it sparingly for impact.

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10. Special Tips for Learners

Tip 1: Practice Identifying the Real Subject

Look at weak sentences and underline the real subject. Then rewrite.

Tip 2: Build a List of Strong Verbs

Keep a list of precise action verbs: contains, offers, provides, faces, influences, determines, highlights, reveals, demonstrates, etc.

Tip 3: Read Your Writing Aloud

If a sentence sounds vague or wordy, it is probably weak. Rewrite it.

Tip 4: Use Advanced Adjectives Wisely

Replace “many” with “myriad” in appropriate contexts, but do not force it.

Tip 5: Check Your Essays for “There is” and “It is”

After writing a draft, search for these phrases and revise them.

Tip 6: Combine Short Sentences

Instead of “There is a problem. The problem is serious.” write “A serious problem exists.”

Tip 7: Use Active Voice

Active voice is stronger than passive. Prefer “The manager decided” over “It was decided by the manager.”

Tip 8: Proofread for Wordiness

Eliminate unnecessary words that weaken your writing.

Tip 9: Practice with Essay Topics

Use official TOEFL/IELTS prompts and practice rewriting weak sentences.

Tip 10: Get Feedback

Have a teacher or native speaker review your writing and point out weak structures.

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11. Tips for Competitive Exams: TOEFL, IELTS, GRE

TOEFL

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Integrated Writing	Summarizing and synthesizing information.	Use strong verbs to express relationships clearly.
Independent Writing	Essay writing with opinion and examples.	Avoid “There is/It is”; use direct subjects and verbs.
Grammar Score	Sentence structure and variety.	Vary sentence patterns; use strong verbs.

IELTS

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Writing Task 1	Describing data and trends.	Use “Sales increased” instead of “There was an increase in sales.”
Writing Task 2	Essay writing with arguments.	Use direct subjects: “The government should act” not “It is important that the government acts.”
Coherence and Cohesion	Logical flow.	Strong sentences improve clarity.

GRE

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Analytical Writing	Issue and Argument essays.	Use precise verbs and subjects; avoid dummy constructions.
Grammar and Style	Advanced writing expected.	Strong sentence structures demonstrate sophistication.

Exam Rules

• Replace “There is/are” with active constructions.
• Replace “It is/was” with the real subject.
• Use action verbs instead of “to be.”
• Use advanced adjectives sparingly.
• Vary sentence patterns to show range.

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12. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Rewrite each weak sentence by completing the strong version with an appropriate verb.

1. Weak: There is a lot of useful information in that book.
   Strong: That book __________ a lot of useful information.
2. Weak: There are several benefits to online classes.
   Strong: Online classes __________ several benefits.
3. Weak: It is the director who makes the final decision.
   Strong: The director __________ the final decision.
4. Weak: It was low sales that forced them to close.
   Strong: Low sales __________ them to close.
5. Weak: There are many factors that influence success.
   Strong: Many factors __________ success.
6. Weak: It is hard to define luck.
   Strong: Luck is __________ to define.
7. Weak: There were many people at the event.
   Strong: Many people __________ the event.
8. Weak: It is clear that the policy has failed.
   Strong: Clearly, the policy has __________.
9. Weak: There is a need for better infrastructure.
   Strong: Better infrastructure is __________.
10. Weak: There are many challenges facing new businesses.
    Strong: New businesses __________ several challenges.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the strongest version of each sentence.

1. Which sentence is strongest?
   a) There is a lot of information in the book.
   b) The book contains a lot of information.
   c) It is the book that has information.
   d) There are many pieces of information in the book.
2. Which sentence is strongest?
   a) There are several benefits to online classes.
   b) Online classes offer several benefits.
   c) It is online classes that have benefits.
   d) There exist several benefits for online classes.
3. Which sentence is strongest?
   a) It is the director who makes the final decision.
   b) The director makes the final decision.
   c) The final decision is made by the director.
   d) There is a director who makes the decision.
4. Which sentence is strongest?
   a) There were many people at the event.
   b) Many people attended the event.
   c) It was many people who were at the event.
   d) The event had many people there.
5. Which sentence uses “myriad” correctly?
   a) There are myriad of problems.
   b) Myriad problems exist.
   c) It is myriad problems.
   d) There is myriad problems.
6. Which sentence avoids weak opening?
   a) It is important to study.
   b) There is importance in studying.
   c) Studying is important.
   d) It is studying that is important.
7. Which sentence uses a strong verb?
   a) There is an increase in sales.
   b) Sales increased.
   c) It was an increase in sales.
   d) There occurred an increase.
8. Which sentence is most concise?
   a) It is the policy that has failed.
   b) The policy has failed.
   c) There is a failure in the policy.
   d) The policy has a failure.
9. Which sentence starts with the real subject?
   a) There are many reasons for the problem.
   b) Many reasons explain the problem.
   c) It is many reasons that explain the problem.
   d) The problem has many reasons.
10. Which sentence is strongest for an essay?
    a) There are many factors that determine success.
    b) Many factors determine success.
    c) It is many factors that determine success.
    d) Success is determined by many factors. (Acceptable but less direct than b)

Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation / Error Correction

Rewrite the following weak sentences into strong sentences.

1. There is a clear solution to the issue.
2. It is the government that must act.
3. There are many ways to improve writing.
4. It was the weather that caused the delay.
5. There is a need for better training.
6. It is important to prepare for the exam.
7. There are several challenges facing the project.
8. It is obvious that he is lying.
9. There were many factors that influenced the decision.
10. It is essential to start early.

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13. Answer Key with Explanations

Exercise 1 Answers

1. contains
   Explanation: Action verb “contains.”
2. offer
   Explanation: Action verb “offer.”
3. makes
   Explanation: Strong verb “makes.”
4. forced
   Explanation: Strong verb “forced.”
5. influence
   Explanation: Strong verb “influence.”
6. hard
   Explanation: Adjective “hard” after “is”; still improved from “It is hard.”
7. attended
   Explanation: Action verb “attended.”
8. failed
   Explanation: Strong verb “failed.”
9. needed
   Explanation: Passive but strong “needed.”
10. face
    Explanation: Strong verb “face.”

Exercise 2 Answers

1. b) The book contains a lot of information.
   Explanation: Real subject “book” with strong verb “contains.”
2. b) Online classes offer several benefits.
   Explanation: Subject “classes” with strong verb “offer.”
3. b) The director makes the final decision.
   Explanation: Subject “director” with strong verb “makes.”
4. b) Many people attended the event.
   Explanation: Subject “people” with strong verb “attended.”
5. b) Myriad problems exist.
   Explanation: “Myriad” as adjective; subject “problems” with verb “exist.”
6. c) Studying is important.
   Explanation: Gerund subject “studying” rather than dummy “it.”
7. b) Sales increased.
   Explanation: Strong verb “increased.”
8. b) The policy has failed.
   Explanation: Direct and concise.
9. b) Many reasons explain the problem.
   Explanation: Real subject “reasons” with strong verb “explain.”
10. b) Many factors determine success.
    Explanation: Most direct and strong.

Exercise 3 Answers

1. A clear solution to the issue exists.
   Explanation: Subject “solution” with verb “exists.”
2. The government must act.
   Explanation: Subject “government” with modal “must act.”
3. Many ways can improve writing.
   Explanation: Subject “ways” with verb “can improve.” (Or “Writing can be improved in many ways.”)
4. The weather caused the delay.
   Explanation: Subject “weather” with verb “caused.”
5. Better training is needed.
   Explanation: Subject “training” with passive “needed.”
6. Preparation for the exam is important.
   Explanation: Subject “preparation” with verb “is important.”
7. The project faces several challenges.
   Explanation: Subject “project” with verb “faces.”
8. Obviously, he is lying.
   Explanation: Adverb “obviously” first; subject “he” with verb “is lying.”
9. Many factors influenced the decision.
   Explanation: Subject “factors” with verb “influenced.”
10. Starting early is essential.
    Explanation: Gerund subject “starting early” with verb “is essential.”

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14. Conclusion

Writing stronger sentences is a simple but powerful way to improve your TOEFL and IELTS scores. By avoiding weak openings like “There is” and “It is”, and instead using the real subject with a strong action verb, you can make your essays more concise, precise, and impressive.

Key points to remember:

• Identify the real subject and move it to the front.
• Replace weak “to be” verbs with strong action verbs.
• Use advanced adjectives like “myriad” sparingly.
• Practice transforming weak sentences into strong ones.
• Proofread your writing for weak openings and correct them.

By applying this technique consistently, you will write with greater clarity and confidence, and examiners will recognize your advanced language skills.

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Call to Action: Take one of your previous TOEFL or IELTS essays and search for sentences beginning with “There is,” “There are,” “It is,” or “It was.” Rewrite each one using the techniques from this lesson. Compare the before and after versions to see the improvement. Then, write a new essay using the strong sentence patterns you have learned.