Writers Digest 10 Tips to Improve Your Writing
I've cut and pasted a pared-down version. The full article has a little more, plus exercises after each tip in re-writing sentences using their advice. Do you agree or disagree with the following tips?
1. USE STRAIGHTFORWARD LANGUAGE.
The most fundamental way to simplify writing is to use simpler words. Simple words—whether verbs, nouns or adjectives—tend to have broader connotations, while complicated words have more specific meanings. Thus, you have a lower margin for error when using simpler words. Substitute a less familiar word with a more readily understandable one.
2. TRIM LONG SENTENCES.
One way to make your writing clearer is to limit the use of long sentences. The easiest way to do this is to divide a long sentence into two or more shorter sentences.
3. AVOID REDUNDANCIES.
Tiresome writing occurs when a writer needlessly repeats a word or an idea. It's redundant, for example, to speak of a "beginner who lacks experience," because the word beginner already implies lack of experience. Redundant words or phrases are those that can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence.
4. CUT EXCESSIVE QUALIFICATION.
Occasional use of qualifiers will let the reader know you are reasonable, but using such modifiers too often weakens your writing. Excessive qualification makes you sound hesitant and adds bulk without adding substance.
5. AVOID NEEDLESS SELF-REFERENCE.
Avoid such unnecessary phrases as "I believe," "I feel" and "in my opinion." There is usually no need to remind your reader that what you are writing is your opinion.
6. FAVOR ACTIVE VOICE.
In general, active voice is stronger than passive voice because the active voice is more direct and cuts down on the number of needed words.
7. FAVOR VERBS, NOT NOUNS.
Nominalization is a fancy-sounding but important concept in writing. It describes the process by which verbs and adjectives are turned into nouns—for instance, "precision of measurement" is the nominalization of "precise measurement." Nominalizations make sentences weaker (and, usually, longer).
8. USE PARALLEL FORMS.
Parallelism in writing means expressing similar parts of a sentence in a consistent way. Elements alike in function should be alike in construction.
9. BE SPECIFIC.
One major difference between good writing and mediocre writing lies with the specific and concrete examples that you use (or fail to use).
10. AVOID THE MASCULINE GENERIC.
The masculine generic refers to the sole use of the pronoun he or him when referring to situations involving both genders. As much as you can, make an effort to avoid using he when referring to either a he or a she, and using him when referring to either a him or a her.
Laura, Mom of 9, Author of the Blue Bells Trilogy, a time travel historic adventure, and The Blue Bells Trilogy Blog, blogging medieval Europe, time travel, and writing.
Agree!! Especially number 1! There are some books that have words in them that I had never seen or heard before and honestly...I end up sounding it out as best I can and then moving on!! I'm all about keeping the wording simple!!
Sandy
Definitely if that happens too often, it would get irritating. What I really dislike is when characters speak with words and sentence structure that are common to narrative, but unheard of in ordinary speech. I'm surprised how often I've seen that.
Let's see:
1. No, I'll use the correct word, thank you very much. My vocabulary is not infinite, and I reach for more familiar words more often, but if the only word that is correct for my intent is less common, the reader can deal with it once or twice, and perhaps expand their vocabulary.
2. That depends. Sentence structure sometimes is part of builing a mood, and in some instances, longer sentences may be needed.
3. Usually. Unless you're trying to make a satirical point, or a character is speaking and over-emphasizes things. There may be other instances which escape me now, at the present time :PPPPP
4. Yes, indubitably.
5. Sometimes I will make a statement so strong that it is clear I expect the opinion should be universal and yet it is not, and I judge those who do not agree. At these times, I will add "IMHO," as a stinger.
6. Yes.
7. I think this one depends, as well. It depends on what you're trying to do, and often, who is speaking.
8. Well, obviously. "How do I used tense?" (see TV Tropes)
9. And this contradicts #1. Yes, I'd like to be specific, and will continue to do so, despite the article's suspicious stance on snooty language.
10. Well, clearly my heroine will not suffer to be called "he." I can't believe this is even a problem.
Inspirational Quotes
- harpwind
on Jan. 11, 2011 at 9:56 AM