Dead Constructions

 Dead constructions are sentences that contain or begin with the words "it is" or "there are" in past or present tense. Dead constructions force the writer to use a weak verb like "is" when a stronger verb could be used. They can force the subject toward the end of a sentence if they are placed in the beginning.

 Example:

From The Chicago Tribune March 28, 2019

Explanation: 

This sentence used the present singular tense of "is." The weak verb pushes the subject, Thomas Kokoraleis toward the end of the sentence. A stronger verb can be used in place of "is" to give the sentance more meaning. 

Revision:

Where Thomas Kokoraleis plans to live remains unclear.  Alternatively: It remains unclear where Thomas Koloraleis plans to live.

The verb "remains" replaced the weaker verb, "is."