Is it always appropriate to omit the verb to be from a passive voice sentence?

Question

I can replace

A solution is needed urgently.
  Newer version has already been installed.

with

A solution needed urgently.
  Newer version already installed.

Is this kind of omission always correct?

Colin Fine · Answer

Not in normal English, whether spoken or written.

The shorter sentences are examples of "Headlinese", used in newspaper headlines, captions of pictures, notices, forms etc.

Greybeard · Answer

No. It is usually always wrong. You are confusing abbreviated sentences with correct English.

2 Answers